The Philippine Army through the 8th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of 403rd Brigade has confirmed that they have launched air strikes as part of the Focused Military Operation with Battlefield Air Interdiction in the hinterlands of Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City at around 3:00am today, December 25, 2023. This after receiving reports from local residents of planned atrocities by the CPP-New People’s Army (NPA) in commemoration of their 55th Founding Anniversary on December 26. Initial reports revealed 9 rebels killed and several high powered firearms recovered in two separate encounters in the area.
In a report, soldiers of the 8IB spent their Christmas Eve in the mountainous area of Can-ayan in order for the populace to spend their Noche Buena happy and peaceful in their homes. More details will be released soon.
