A communist rebel was killed in an armed encounter in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) engaged an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) members in separate operations that lasted for about 20 minutes.

The exchange of fire resulted in the death of alias “Cardo,” an alleged member of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Command Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region.

The military also seized an M16 rifle and four magazines.

“Sa ngayon, bantay sarado na ng ating tropa ang mga posibleng lagusan ng mga teroristang grupo habang patuloy ang pagsasagawa ng decisive military operations laban sa kanila,” 603rd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Michael Santos, said.

6th Infantry Division (6ID) Commander, Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, also lauded the operating troops for their bravery.

“Patunay lamang ito na handa ang inyung kasundaluhan na ialay ang buhay sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Gayunpaman, nagpaabot din ako ng pakikiramay sa pamilya ng nasawi sa engkwentro,” Gumiran said.

“Ayaw namin na may masawi pang kapwa Pilipino dahil lang sa maling ideolohiya na kanilang ipinaglalaban. Kaya panawagan namin sa mga nanatili sa armadong pakikibaka, na ibaba ang inyong baril at magbalik-loob na sa ating pamahalaan upang maging parte ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating mga komunidad,” Gumiran added.

Meanwhile, up to 17 high-powered firearms were seized from two warring groups in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.

The military said the two groups engaged in a firefight due to personal conflict.

The military immediately responded and those involved escaped and abandoned their guns.