Apayao (Wikipedia maps)
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela—Two government soldiers were killed after a gun battle on Thursday, August 18, with communist rebels in Kabugao town, Apayao province, the Philippine Army said.
Captain Rigor Pamittan, the 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the fatalities as 2nd Lieutenant Nasser Dimalanes, 28, of Maguindanao province, and Private 1st Class Jaime Fontanilla Jr., 29, of La Union province.
The Army soldiers chanced upon 30 communist guerrillas operating in Apayao and Abra during a combat patrol after villagers reported seeing the rebels in Barangay Lenneng.
“We mourn the death of our fallen comrades who have sacrificed their lives to save the people of Kabugao,” Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Gallangi Jr., 98th Infantry Battalion commander, said.
Gallangi added: “We will not waste the sacrifice rendered by our comrades. We will pursue those members of the (New People’s Army) to let them pay the consequences of their inhumane actions.” INQ
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