Two suspected rebels were killed while 28 high-powered guns were seized in separate military operations in Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion encountered several members of the New People’s Army (NPA), which resulted in the death of alias “Reb,” the commanding officer of Platoon 7, DGF 19, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

A political instructor of RSDG, NEMRC and former secretary of the peasant department of White Area Committee in Caraga identified as alias “Atoy” was also killed in a separate operation. Confiscated from him were a M16A1 rifle, ammunition, two APM blasting caps, and medical kit, among others.

Meanwhile, the 88th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of 12 communist rebels in Bukidnon.

Two other NPA combatants also returned to the folds of the law in San Miguel Surigao del Sur while a platoon medic and team leader of the dismantled Guerilla Front 30 yielded in Carmen town.

A total of 28 firearms were confiscated by the military during the operations.

4ID Commander, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo II, said ‘the significant defeat suffered by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in recent weeks is a testament to the troops' professionalism and resolve to safeguard the people and maintain the peace and security of our nation.’

"The steady reduction of the CTG's manpower and firepower is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our military operations and peace initiatives. As their number is dwindling due to the constant pressure that we exert, we expect their remaining leaders and members to also embrace the path to peace and live a normal life together with their families," Cuerpo added.