Nine members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in an encounter with the military forces in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Monday, Dec. 25, and the hot pursuit operations for the remaining rebels continue, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a press release posted on its official Facebook page, AFP said the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division “initiated a sustained military offensive” following the reported presence of NPA in 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. Troops are coordinating with local communities for the identification of the nine deceased NPAs,” the state forces said.

The encounter between the state forces and the NPA happened despite the CPP-NPA’s declaration of two-day ceasefire, which started at 12:01 AM of Dec. 25.

Dema-Ala claimed that the NPAs were circling the aforementioned four barangays to influence the residents and also to extort food from them.

“Alam naman natin na humihina ang kanilang pwersa, kaya patuloy ang pagre-recruit, patuloy na pangha-harass sa mga sibilyan. Kaya yung sibilyan na rin mismo ang nag-report sa kanila,” he said.

“Yung iba [NPA] namimilit na mag-extort kumuha ng mga pagkain sa mga sibilyan kaya yung ating mga kababayan ay hindi na nakakapagtrabaho nang maayos dahil natatakot sila sa presensya ng mga miyembro ng NPA sa kanilang sakahan,” the PA-PAO spokesperson added.

He mentioned that there are less than 10 NPA members on the run.

“Maliit na grupo kaya kailangan ng masusing pagpaplano. Posible na magkawatak-watak na ito,” Dema-Ala noted.

The PA-PAO spokesperson appealed to the remaining NPA members in Bukidnon to surrender and welcome the new year with a new life with their families.