CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter with the New People’s Army in Balbalan, Kalinga on Friday, May 31.
Major Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the Army 5th Infantry Division, identified the wounded soldiers who are now in stable condition as Corporal Jonard L. Addatu and Private First Class Rojemar A. Cuyen from the 98th Infantry Battalion under the operational command of the 503rd Infantry Brigade.
NEW People’s Army war materials and personal belongings were recovered in an encounter in Balbalan, Kalinga on Friday. (Photo via Freddie G. Lazaro)
Pamittan said that a group of 10 NPA rebels from the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG)-Baggas first engaged the 103rd Infantry Battalion under the operational command of the 503rd Infantry Brigade at about 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Balbalan Proper.
The communist rebels fled and left one M14 rifle, one Springfield rifle, assorted live bullets, two improvised explosive devices, explosive materials, and personal belongings.
Troops from the 98th Infantry Battalion later on engaged the fleeing rebels at about 1 p.m. in Barangay Balantoy. Two soldiers were wounded in the gun battle.
They left behind one M16 Armalite rifle, one improvised explosive device, blasting caps, voluminous subversive documents, two backpacks, and personal belongings.
Pamittan said they are pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels are ongoing.
He reiterated the government’s call for NPA remnants in Cagayan Valley to surrender for the sake of lasting peace and development.
Pamittan assured that all NPA rebels who surrender to the government will be given support assistance and other benefits under National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict programs.