FACT CHECK | ‘Seven 8th IB soldiers killed in Bukidnon clash’

Claim:

CPP–NPA-NDFP linked posts say seven soldiers from the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) were killed in a clash on July 1, 2025 in Sitio Tubigon, Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City. They also say the AFP fired artillery on July 1–2 that “terrorized” peasants and Lumad communities.

Verdict:

FAKE NEWS

Why it matters:

Seven soldiers killed in one fight is big news. Events like that usually appear in multiple news sites, LGU advisories, and official statements. That did not happen here.

What we know:

The “7 killed” claim appears in partisan channels (CPP’s website and social media accounts). Neutral and mainstream outlets do not carry it. There are no public statements from the AFP, PNP, or 8IB confirming seven deaths in Busdi on July 1.

Local sources contacted by Kontra Kwento in Malaybalay and recent surrenderers from North Central Mindanao Region’s remnant unit dispute the claim. They say there were clashes, but government forces gained ground while NPA remnants suffered losses–both killed and wounded in action– and lost firearms.

There are no neutral reports or LGU alerts confirming artillery fire that hit or “terrorized” communities on July 1 to 2.

Meanwhile:

On August 8, 2025, 189 NPA members and supporters surrendered to the Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Brgy. Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon and turned over 72 firearms. DSWD-10 said they came from Quezon, San Fernando, Pangantucan, and Valencia City, while Sen. Migz Zubiri praised the move and commended 10ID’s Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, Brig. Gen. Marion Ancao, Ltc. Antonio Bulao and local officials.

The bottom line:

The report that seven 8IB soldiers were killed in the July 1 Busdi clash has no independent confirmation. It rests on partisan sources, particularly the CPP’s own propaganda machinery. The artillery allegation is also unconfirmed.