Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during an armed encounter with government troops in Misamis Oriental on Thursday morning, according to the military.
Reports disclosed that troops of the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion conducted operations at Sitio Haruhay, Barangay Lunotan, Gingoog City when they encountered the communist terrorist group that resulted in the death of the two NPA rebels — one male and one female.
The two rebels, however, are yet to be identified.
According to the military, the firefight lasted for 20 minutes and state troops recovered two M16 rifles, one improvised explosive device, cellphones and other materials.
“I am reiterating our call to the remnants of the communist terrorist groups who are still hiding in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law while you have the opportunity.
Otherwise, our troops will not hesitate to use force against you and you will end up the same fate as the two casualties,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion.