MANILA, Philippines -- Five of the nine victims killed in an ambush in in Barangay Pusok in La Castellana town, Negros Occidental last January 27 are set to be laid to rest Saturday afternoon.

Three members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, a barangay tanod and a female civilian will be buried at a cemetery in town at around 2 p.m.

A mass is set to be attended by the families of the victims as well as local officials at 1 p.m. before the burial rites.

The New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday claimed responsibility over the firefight that led to the deaths of 9 people, including a policeman, 2 other barangay tanods and another 2 civilians.

Nine other persons were also wounded in the incident.

The NPA is seeking for forgiveness for the casualties.

They have also pledged to help the families of the victims.