9 NPA rebels dead in bloody Christmas Day clash in Bukidnon -- military
Nine suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of sustained military operations by the Philippine Army (PA) in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25.
The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said it launched air strikes and ground-based attacks as part of a focused military operation in the hinterlands of Brgy. Can-ayan, Brgy. Kibalabag, Brgy. Kulaman, and Brgy. Mapulo in Malaybalay City around 3 a.m.
According to the 4ID, they received reports from the locals that the NPA "will be launching atrocities" in time for the 55th founding anniversary of the CPP on Dec. 26.
The 4ID sent troops from the 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 1st Special Forces Battalion -- all under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade -- to check on any suspicious presence in the area until they noticed enemy formation in the the hinterlands of Sitio Kieto, Brgy. Can-ayan.
The 4ID then launched air strikes before ground-based troops swooped down on the enemies' location and possible escape routes.
As of 12 noon, the 4ID said nine bodies were found by the government forces while eight firearms were seized. The fatalities have yet to be identified.
Meanwhile, there was no available information if there were casualties on the government's side.
The encounter occurred just as the CPP announced a unilateral ceasefire from Dec. 25 to 26 in the spirit of Christmas and in time for the celebration of the Party's 55th founding anniversary.
The declaration of ceasefire, however, was not reciprocated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it vowed to conduct relentless military offensives against the NPA to decimate their remaining forces.