CAGAYAN – A combat operation done by government troops of the 5th Infantry Division resulted in the death of two members of the New People's Army on the morning of Saturday, 23 December at Barangay San Carlos, Gattaran, Cagayan.

MGen. Audrey Landicho Pasia, the Division Commander of the 5th ID of the Philippine Army, in an exclusive phone interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, said that government forces clashed with remnants of the group led by Ariel Abitrario.

"Unfortunately, two Filipinos died in this clash, only known as alias "Jiro" who is alleged to be from Mindanao and was brought to Luzon last 2017, and alias "Maria" who is alleged to be from Amulung, Cagayan,"

Pasia added that they are not happy that the NPA members died and instead, they are saddened by this incident.

"We've sent our pleas before for them to return to the government and to live a life of peace so that these incidents may be avoided,"

Recovered from the incident are the firearms used, ammunition, and personal effects.

Meanwhile, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the AFP Spokesperson, in a text message to the DAILY TRIBUNE says that, there are no peace talks yet.

"There are no peace talks yet. [This encounter] is not expected to have any effect on the proposed talks, but will surely affect the NPA's capability to stage any atrocity to our communities,"

Trinidad adds that It is time for the [members of the NPA] to take advantage of the peace programs of the government, we encourage them to lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle.

"The AFP and our partners in the NTF ELCAC and Task Force Balik Loob are ready to welcome them and ensure their safe and secure reintegration into mainstream society. It is better to spend time with their families this holiday season than meet the same fate as their dead comrades,"

Trinidad, speaking on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, assures every Filipino that the AFP will be vigilant during this holiday season as they will all work towards keeping our communities peaceful and secure.

"We thank everyone for their support and cooperation, which shows that, security is everyone's responsibility and that all of us have a role to play in maintaining a peaceful environment,"

In an exclusive phone call interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Governor Manuel Mamba of Cagayan Province assured that aside from the support given to returnees from the National Government, jobs are awaiting them at the Provincial Government of Cagayan.