Two suspected communist rebels were killed during a firefight with soldiers in Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the clash erupted when elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 47th Infantry Battalion chanced upon at least 10 communist rebels in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi early Wednesday morning.
He said the cadavers were discovered at 2 a.m. during the clearing operations.
Trinidad said soldiers were deployed in the area after receiving reports of the presence of communist rebels on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The clash lasted for five minutes.
The rebels withdrew but a second clash occurred during the pursuit operation some 100 meters away from the first clash site.
The firefight lasted for 10 minutes during the second gun battle.
Soldiers also found a KG9 with magazine and ammunition, two .45 pistols with magazines and bullets; two hand grenades, a flag and several documents.