MAP of Abra with the town of Licuaan-Baay highlighted. (Wikipedia)
LICUAN-BAAY, Abra – Three New People's Army rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Bonglo here on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Major Eduardo D. Rarugal Jr., spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela, said joint elements of the 50th Infantry (Defender) Battalion and the 98th Infantry (Masinag) Battalion engaged about 10 armed rebels while conducting sustained military operations in the area at around 11:10 a.m.
Government troops recovered the bodies of the three rebels, along with two M16 rifles and one M14 rifle.
Soldiers pursued remaining members of who fled toward the mountainous areas of the municipality.
The encounter came after government forces and NPA rebels also clashed in the barangay Sunday.
In response to the series of clashes, the military in Abra is on heightened alert.
The local government and the Philippine Army urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to the authorities as security operations continue in the area.