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DIPOLOG CITY - After the Philippine military declared the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte as free from the influence of communist rebels, security officials recently announced the killing of three New People's Army fighters and raising questions about its public declaration made in April this year.

The Western Mindanao Command said the communist rebels were killed in fierce clashes with members of the 97th, 53rd, and 106th Infantry Battalions in San Jose village in the town of Sergio Osmena. It said other rebels managed to flee the fighting.

The military identified the slain rebels as Maria Luz Ranan, Jerome Lobo Albios and Mary Ann Nabicis. This was also confirmed by Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of Western Mindanao Command, who lauded the troops for their "operational accomplishment." "Our troops remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandated task to ensure the safety and security of the people, especially during the holiday season. I once again urge the remaining members of the communist terrorist group and other threat groups to make up their minds and listen to our call for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Now is the time for you to return to the folds of the law and begin a new life with your family and loved ones. Let us end the year peacefully and harmoniously," Gonzales said.

In April, Army Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, declared the province as insurgency-free, adding the last guerrilla unit in the Zamboanga del Norte was officially dismantled. “We have no more guerilla fronts or any entity in the province that is affecting our peace and security. The bulk of communist group forces had surrendered and are with us now,” Nicolas was quoted as saying. “We are currently preparing them for their reintegration into mainstream society. Psychosocial and livelihood assistance are given to all the former rebels who are currently situated at the halfway houses,” he added.