BANGUED, Abra – The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command has called on remaining members of the New People’s Army-Komiteng Larangang Guerilla North Abra to lay down their arms and peacefully surrender to the government.

THE Armed Forces-Northern Luzon Command urges members of the New People's Army in Abra to surrender and live a peaceful life.

Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, commander of the Nolcom, made the appeal following the encounter between the KLG-North Abra and the 77th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buneg, Lacub, Abra on Friday, October 13, in which an NPA rebel was killed.

Soldiers recovered an M-16 rifle and subversive documents from the encounter site.

“Our ground troops from the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division will only intensify the operations from here on out to ensure that these terrorist groups will be decimated expeditiously,” said Buca.

The October 13 gun battle occurred 10 days after an encounter on Tuesday, October 3, in which another member of the KLG-North Abra was killed in Sitio Lamunan, Barangay Gacab, Malibcong, Abra.

Seized in the encounter were M14 rifle, an M4A1 Carbine rifle, four magazines, 42 carbine rifle ammunition, 16 rounds of M14 ammunition, a bandolier, backpack, subversive documents, medical supplies, medicines, cooking utensils, and personal belongings.

Buca reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens and urged remaining members of the NPA in Abra to lay down their arms and embrace a path toward reconciliation and peace.

Major Rigor Pamittan, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Army 5th Infantry Division, thanked residents of this province for discreetly reporting the presence of NPA rebels.