TWO more comrades of a rebel leader recently neutralized by government forces were killed during an encounter as the military focused its relentless operations against the New People's Army (NPA) in Cagayan Region on Sunday. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad identified the two NPA fighters by their assumed names, "Ka Jorly" and "Ka Nieves." Trinidad said several firearms, ammunition and equipment were also recovered at the scene of the encounter. Two days ago, the remains of NPA leader Edgar Arbitrario, originally from Davao City and the secretary of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley, were recovered by government troops after an earlier clash. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, visited the tactical command post of the 95th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sisim, Peñablanca, Cagayan and congratulated the unit for the successful operation. "I congratulate you on your outstanding performance in this mission. Your dedication and courage are crucial as we transition to territorial defense operations. Remember, a strong AFP means a strong nation," Brawner said. He also urged the troops to stay focused on their mission and remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the region and end insurgency. Brawner highlighted that the success of the operation reinforces the AFP's strategic goals in eradicating insurgency and building a more secure and peaceful future for the nation.