MANILA, Philippines — The military, launching all-out operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA)’s plot during the holidays, yesterday described as plain “communist propaganda” the reported 14 soldiers who were killed fighting in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur last week. Villanueva said only one Scout Ranger was killed in action at the height of the fighting that resulted in the capture of the rebels’ camps last Thursday. The captured camps are believed to be this year’s venue of the CPP’s 50th founding anniversary celebration slated on Dec. 26. “We have one casualty in the two-day fighting in the boundaries of Bukidnon and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur last week. We are more on the truth versus propaganda,” Villanueva said, belying claims made by the NPA that 14 soldiers were killed in the fighting.

Source: Philippine Star December 17, 2018 17:18 UTC