Government soldiers have killed the son of the late top leader of the New People's Army (NPA) George Madlos, and his wife in a renewed clash in Barangay Kapitan Bayong, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon over the weekend.

Killed were Vincent Isagani Madlos and his wife Angie Salinas.

"Madlos and Salinas were among the wanted top terrorist leaders being members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) Central Committee and Heads of the National Technical Bureau and National Communications Bureau of the National Operations Command (NOC), respectively," Colonel Ted Dumosmog, officer-in-charge of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade said in a statement.

Dumosmog added that Madlos had multiple warrants of arrest from different areas in Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

The military said that the combat group of the Joint Task Force Diamond (JTFD), composed of troops from the 8IB and intelligence units, conducted a special operation when they encountered the rebels around 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes and resulted in the killing of Madlos and Salinas.

Various war materiel, two AK47 rifles and personal belongings were seized.

Major General Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said that the successive neutralization of other top leaders of the NPA provides a clearer view of ending the local communist armed conflict in Northern Mindanao.

"While I am a bit saddened with the tragic fate of the Madlos' couple, it can also serve as a reminder for those remaining CTG members still hiding that they still have the opportunity to surrender and avoid the same outcome for them. Hence, we urge everyone, especially our peace partners, to continue rallying with us, and collectively provide our people a better place to live that is safe and conducive for sustainable development,"he said.

It can be recalled that George Madlos, NPA's former spokesperson was killed during a combined operation of the JTFD at the mountainous area of Sitio Gabunan, Barangay Dumalaguing in Impasug-ong town last October 30, 2021.