Military Operation in Malaybalay City Results in 9 Deaths, Raising Questions on Government-CPP Relations

Strategic Insights -

Soldiers from the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 1st Special Forces Battalion launched a surprise attack against suspected communist rebels in the hinterland villages of Can-ayan, Kibalabag, and Mapulo in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Christmas Day. The military operation aimed to disrupt a gathering of rebels allegedly preparing to celebrate the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) 55th anniversary. The Philippine government had ruled out a truce with the rebels, with National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stating that ceasefires in the past were used by the rebels to regroup while engaging in hostile actions. The CPP had declared a unilateral ceasefire on December 25 to allow for anniversary celebrations, but the government maintained its stance on no suspension of military operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The military operation resulted in the deaths of 9 suspected communist rebels, with 6 being men and the rest women, whose identities have yet to be established.
  • The CPP had declared a unilateral ceasefire on December 25 for its anniversary celebrations, but the government did not reciprocate, continuing military operations against the rebels.
  • The military operation used close air support and artillery to minimize casualties among ground troops, with no properties or communities being damaged or destroyed.
  • The Army seized five M16 assault rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .45-caliber pistol, and a hand grenade.
  • The government has maintained its stance on no suspension of military operations against the rebels, with National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stating that ceasefires in the past were used by the rebels to regroup while engaging in hostile actions.
  • The death of Dionisio Micabalo, alias 'Muling," a senior CPP official, in July this year marks a significant blow to the communist movement in the region.
  • The military estimates the NPA to be down to around 1,800 fighters from an estimated strength of 26,000 in 1986.
  • The Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) have issued a joint communique stating that both sides are ready to start anew peace negotiations, which have stalled for almost four decades.

Statistics:

  • 9: the number of suspected communist rebels killed in the military operation.
  • 6: the number of men killed, with the rest being women.
  • 5: the number of M16 assault rifles seized by the military.
  • 1: the estimated number of NPA fighters remaining, down from an estimated 26,000 in 1986.
  • 55: the number of years the CPP has been in existence.
  • 26,000: the estimated strength of the NPA in 1986.
  • 1,800: the estimated current strength of the NPA.
  • 55: the number of years since the CPP's founding on March 29, 1969.
  • 39: the number of years that peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP have been stalled.
  • 6: the number of administrations that have taken place since the inception of the peace negotiations.

Sources:

  • Inquirer: "9 suspected communist rebels killed in Christmas Day military operation in Bukidnon"
  • Philippine Daily Inquirer: "Government rules out ceasefire with NPA"
  • Philippine Star: "CPP declares ceasefire on Dec. 25, sets ground for anniversary celebration"
  • Manila Times: "NPA still using landmines, artillery, and mortars despite 'ceasefire declaration'"
  • GMA News Online: "Marcos Jr. issues amnesty proclamation to communist rebels"