Guns, ammo seized in Kalinga skirmish

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, ISABELA — Government troops seized high-powered guns and explosives after a 30-minute skirmish with New People’s Army rebels in the mountains of Barangay Buaya in Balbalan, Kalinga on Wednesday, military officials said.

Seized were two fragmentation grenades, an M-16 Armalite rifle, assorted bullets, personal belongings and anti-government documents.

Col. Henry Doyaoen, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander, told the Inquirer that the 50th Infantry Battalion soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit volunteers were conducting a foot patrol between the villages of Buaya and Mabaca in Balbalan town when they encountered the rebels.

Military officials said the rebels belonged to the Alejo Cawilan Command that operates in the Cordillera region.

Buaya and Mabaca are both rebel-infested areas, Doyaoen said.

A rebel was reportedly hurt as bloodstains were seen from the withdrawal route of the rebels.

A hot pursuit operation against the rebels has been launched, Doyaoen added.