New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela––Army soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB) overran an alleged New People’s Army camp after a 20-minute firefight Monday in Barangay Namal, Asipulo town, Ifugao province.
Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., 54th IB civil-military officer, said the suspected communist guerrillas from the Guerilla Front-Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur chanced upon the government troops, resulting in a gunbattle.
The rebels later withdrew, reportedly dragging along their wounded comrades.
According to the Army, the government soldiers later secured the place and uncovered the rebel camp.
Found at the hideout were four anti-personnel mines with 40-meter wire, 20 blasting caps, medical kits, anti-government documents, and personal belongings.
A hot pursuit operation was underway, the military said.