Suspected communists killed by AFP on Christmas Day rise to 10

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — Another suspected communist rebel was killed during the military's combat operation in Bukidnon on Christmas Day, bringing the total to 10.

The report came after the Armed Forces of the Philippines recovered the body of the suspect at the site of the clash in Malaybalay City.

In a press briefing, 4th Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Jose Maria Cuerpo II said the military was able to locate the suspected communists with the help of the residents.

Cuerpo said the residents told the military that some alleged communists are doing illegal activities in preparation for the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.

He added that the AFP pursued its military operation as they were also monitoring the alleged communists in the past weeks.

The AFP initially reported that nine alleged members of the New Peoples Army (AFP) were killed in the clash.

Authorities also seized eight firearms from the NPA members.

Cuerpo said the remains of the alleged CPP members have yet to be identified. The Philippine National Police — Scene of Crime Operation unit will examine the remains before turning them over to the Malaybalay local government or their families.

Cuerpo also said the military is still pursuing the remaining suspected communists they encountered in the clash.

«My order is to continue the operations until we are sure that the area is cleared of this criminal groups and the community is secured, from the threats of this group,» Cuerpo said.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, earlier said the military will continue its combat operations against the rebels despite CPP's declaration of ceasefire as it is an «empty statement.»