Bukidnon offensive kills 9 insurgents

At least nine individuals believed to be members of the New People's Army were killed in a "sustained" military offensive conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Christmas Day.

AFP Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad disclosed on Monday that the military operation was initiated after receiving reports of the NPA's presence in the hinterlands of Barangays Can-Ayan, Kibalabag, Kulaman and Mapulo.

"During the initial scouring, the operating troops captured eight firearms from the encounter site, with expectations of more to follow as the operation continues," Trinidad said.

He added that the military is already coordinating with the local communities for the identification of the nine deceased NPAs.

"This incident further diminishes the capability of the NPAs to conduct atrocities in Bukidnon and nearby provinces," Trinidad said.

He added that the incident also signals the "urgent need for the remaining NPAs to surrender and abandon their futile armed struggle."

"It is time for them to take advantage of the government's peace programs and spend time with their families during this holiday season, rather than facing the same fate as their fallen comrades," the AFP official said.

He also expressed gratitude to the local communities for helping the government in its fight against the communist insurgency.

"The AFP assures every Filipino that we will remain vigilant during this holiday season as we collectively work towards keeping our communities peaceful and secure," Trinidad said.