AT LEAST 2 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed and some five high-powered firearms seized by the soldiers in the hinterland barangay in Gingoog City, yesterday – 11 days before the founding anniversary of the armed group’s political party.

The communist rebels were killed by joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippine Army’s 58th and 16th Infantry Battalions in an encounter with 20 other NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Sitio Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City.

“The encounter lasted for 30 minutes,” said 58IB commander Lt. Colonel Ricky Canatoy.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will be celebrating its anniversary on December 26.

Canatoy identified one of the fatalities as one Isidro Sarusad Aka Wawang, member of Guerrilla Front Huawei and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Sarusad is from Brgy. Lanise, of Claveria town, in Misamis Oriental. The other cadaver is not yet to be identified, according to Canatoy.

He said the killed rebels were operating in the areas of Claveria-Malitbug in Gingoog City.

The troops were conducting military operations in response to reports from civilians who observed the presence of armed groups and later following traces from a communist hideout discovered in the area, he said.

Canatoy said the government troops also seized an M16 rifle, one AR18 rifle, two AK-47, one M203 grenade launcher, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

No casualties have been reported on the government's side, according to Canatoy.

“The encounter is a result of the ongoing effort and active steps to thwart terroristic activities,” said Canatoy, adding that the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines is approaching.

He said they have intensified their military operations and have increased their vigilance for possible hostilities by its NPA armed wing.

Two lives are lost in the war against the Communist NPA’s failed ideology, said Canatoy.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families,” said Canatoy.

"We urge the surviving communist rebel members to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful and normal life,” said Canatoy, adding that avoiding unnecessary death, especially now that Christmas is approaching.

Your families are anticipating your arrival, hoping that you will change the course of your lives and spend a hopeful and wonderful transformed life with them, away from the chaos and useless ideology, said Canatoy.

He said that the Army, on the other hand, will not stop pursuing the remaining elements.

“The pandemic and the holiday season will not deter us from carrying out our responsibilities. Simultaneously, we will not hesitate to use force against peace breakers and other threat groups that will continue to use terrorism,” said Canatoy.

The discovered cadavers are now being transported to a funeral home in Gingoog City, where they will be given decent and proper turn-over to their families, he said. (Ben Balce)