IN a press conference held yesterday afternoon, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Diamond Division (4ID), confirmed that a total of ten individuals affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed group, the New People's Army (NPA), were found killed.
The discovery of the tenth body was reported on December 26, following the initial nine reported on December 25.
The government forces initiated ground and air strikes against the NPA in the hinterland barangays of Can-ayan, Kibalabag, Kulaman, and Mapulo in Malaybalay City on Christmas Eve, resulting in casualties.
Addressing questions about whether the military took advantage of the NPA's declared unilateral ceasefire on December 25 and 26, Brigadier General Michele Anayron, Jr., the Brigade Commander of the 403rd Brigade based in Malaybalay City, clarified that the military operation had been planned even before the rebels declared their ceasefire.
The NPA had declared a ceasefire for two days in observance of their 55th anniversary on December 26. Anayron emphasized the existence of threats from the NPAs, citing their planned burning of construction equipment for the ongoing road concreting project connecting Cabanlasan and Malaybalay City.
Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, Commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, revealed that the military received reports from locals about the presence of rebels in the areas, along with threats, including plans to burn construction equipment. In response to this information, a force was promptly launched.
Major Francisco Garello, Jr., Chief of the 4ID's Department of Public Affairs Office (DPAO), stated in a phone call that the military operation successfully thwarted the rebels' plan to burn construction equipment. As of now, the military operation is still ongoing in the affected areas, according to Gen. Cuerpo.
