An alleged communist rebel was killed in an encounter in Barangay Baluan, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

According to the 57th Infantry Battalion, the troops engaged around 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during an exchange of fire.

The military is still identifying the slain rebel, as of this writing.

Authorities recovered war materials, including an M16 rifle and M14 rifle from the rebel.

Brigadier General Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, ordered the troops to go after the communist insurgents who escaped.

“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate the presence of these lawless elements in Sultan Kudarat,” Santos said.

6th Infantry Division commander, Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, also called on the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.

"Ang inyong Hukbong Katihan ay handang tumanggap sa mga nais magbagong-buhay. Sa halip na patuloy na mabuhay sa takot at panganib, maaari kayong bumalik sa mapayapang pamumuhay kasama ang inyong pamilya," Gumiran said.