CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed and five high-powered guns were recovered in separate encounters with the military in Cagayan and Kalinga on Wednesday afternoon, May 3.
Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, Army 5th Infantry Division chief, said on Thursday, May 4, that the first encounter happened in Sitio Bigoc, Barangay Alucao, Santa Teresita Cagayan at 3:30 p.m.
Two NPA rebels from the Komiteng Probinsya (Komprob) Cagayan at Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV), were killed.
Soldiers from the Army 95th Infantry Battalion under the Army 501st Infantry Brigade encountered about 20 NPA while conducting patrol after receiving reports about the presence of armed men in the area.
Troops recovered the body of two NPA rebels and four high-powered guns – two R4 rifles, one M16 rifle, and one M653 rifle.
The second gun battle occurred 30 minutes later at 4 p.m. in Sitio Angod, Barangay Poswoy, Balbalan, Kalinga.
The 50th Infantry Battalion under the 503rd Infantry Brigade encountered some 20 NPA from the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya Baggas, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee.
An NPA rebel was killed and one M-16 Armalite rifle as recovered.
Nobody from the government side was killed or wounded.
Troops are conducting clearing operations in the encounter sites.
The Provincial Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Cagayan and Isabela condoled with the family of the three fatalities.
They said they are always open and encouraging the remnants of the NPA groups operating in Cagayan Valley to return to the fold of the law and avail the benefits and assistance offered by the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Pasia reiterated his call for NPA remnants in the region to surrender to achieve long-awaited peace and development.