CLASSES at Kalipayan and Bundaan Elementary School were suspended after separate encounters erupted between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the communist rebels in Mt. Kalatungan and Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong in Bukidnon early morning of Tuesday, February 18.

Around 21 families also evacuated from Sitio Gabunan due to the encounter.

Captain Rene Belmonte, spokesperson of 403rd Infantry Brigade, confirmed Wednesday, February 19, that the military engaged with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in an inhabited area of Barangay Dumalaguing and in the ranges of Mt. Kalatungan at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday.

According to Belmonte, the Army initially received information about the presence of the communist rebels from the civilians residing in the areas. The soldiers engaged in a firefight with around 40 to 50 members of the communist rebels in Barangay Dumalaguing and 20 to 30 rebels in the ranges of Mt. Kalatungan.

Belmonte said there were no reported casualties on the state forces while the number is yet to be determined on the NPA’s side.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin yung operations natin,” Belmonte said.