According to a recent statement by Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief, Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Garcia, a total 18 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have been killed within the first three weeks of 2018.

He said many were identified after allegedly conducting extortion schemes in various communities.

Among those killed included two ranking officials, following an operation in Tarlac last week.

Meanwhile, 188 of the communist rebels have also surrendered to government forces in 2018.

Earlier this month, Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Brigadier General Dino Dolina, said Negros is still among the priority locations for the clearing of insurgents, which include the NPA./PLL, WDJ