CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Isabela – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with the police and military in Barangay Upper Atok, Flora, Apayao on Friday morning, October 20.
The NPA rebel was identified as Roger Antonio, alias “Bernard” of Barangay Peru, Lasam, Cagayan.
MAP of Flora, Apayao.
Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, commander of the Army 5th Infantry Division, said the firefight happened at about 5:10 a.m.
The Army 17th Infantry Battalion of the 502nd Infantry Brigade and the Police Regional Office-2 were conducting combat operations when they encountered about nine NPA rebels believed to be under Edgar Bautista, alias “Simoy,” secretary of the West Front Committee, Komiteng Probinsya (Komprob)-Cagayan under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).
The gun battle lasted for five minutes after which the NPA withdrew northeast.
The body of Antonio was recovered during clearing operations, along with one M16A1 Armalite rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, eight 40mm rifle grenade, one jungle pack, one commercial radio equipment, one hammock, two improvised flashlights, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Government troops are pursuing the fleeing NPA rebels.
Pasia encouraged the group of Bautista to surrender and be with their families in time for Christmas.