[CNN Philippines] Two New People's Army militants, and one Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter were killed in separate operations during the Holy Week. A statement from the military said the NPA militants were killed in separate incidents on March 30 in Misamis Oriental and March 31 in Bukidnon.Military spokesman Eric Vinoya said, "We offer our sincere condolences to the families and relatives on the death of the two NPA terrorists. This could not have happened if they heeded our call of surrender."
He called on NPA rebels to lay down their arms and "return to mainstream society."
Meanwhile, four NPA militants surrendered to authorities in Sultan Kudarat on March 28.
The NPA militants, from Guerilla Front 73, voluntarily surrendered. They were identified as Ariel Udas Apang, Iyoy Lebeg Nayam, Nicanor Nayam Apang, and Ariel Matog Apang.
A statement from the Western Mindanao Command said a BIFF subleader was also killed in an operation in Aleosan, North Cotabato on March 29. Buds Basilan, a bomb expert, was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire after he resisted arrest and engaged the authorities.
Major General Arnel Delavega said authorities had been tracking Basilan and was about to apprehend him when he shot at them. Delavegan said, "Basilan who is under the BIFF's Karialan Faction, was responsible in the manufacture of bombs and IEDs, which affected the areas of Aleosan, Midsayap and Carmen of North Cotabato. His neutralization will definitely weaken his subgroup that is operating mostly in the province."