
A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel died during an armed encounter with troops from the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in Abra on Friday, Oct. 13.
Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, commander of NOLCOM, said the still unidentified male fighter was a member of the NPA's Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) North Abra.
A report from NOLCOM said that soldiers from the 5th Infantry Division's (5ID) 77th Infantry Battalion, 501st Infantry Brigade clashed with around five members of KLG North Abra around 8 a.m. in the mountains of Lacub town.
Apparently, the troops received a tip from the residents about the presence of armed individuals in their community.
The firefight lasted for five minutes until the NPA rebels withdrew to an unknown location.
The clash followed the October 3 encounter between the 24th Infantry Battalion and NPA extortionists at the boundary of Sitio Lamunan, Brgy. Gacab, Malibcong and Brgy. Ableg, Daguioman in Abra where an alleged communist guerilla was also killed.
"The series of clashes in Abra is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the locals and authorities in maintaining peace and security in the province," Buca said.
He commended the citizens of Abra for their "courage, vigilance, and willingness" in reporting activities and presence of communist guerillas in their communities.