CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela — Two alleged members of the New People’s Army were killed during a running gun battle in Baggao town, Cagayan province on Monday (Feb. 13), the military said.
Army Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson and public affairs chief, said the 17th Infantry Battalion soldiers were patrolling in the forests of Barangay Sta. Margarita when they encountered about 15 members of the communist Cagayan Provincial Committee-Regional Committee-Cagayan Valley, resulting in a clash.
The encounter lasted for more than 30 minutes, the military said.
According to Pamittan, a body of guerrilla was later found while an M-16 Armalite rifle with a magazine was recovered.
The guerrillas immediately fled, he said.
A pursuit operation was immediately initiated by government soldiers and a 15-minute firefight again ensued, killing another alleged guerrilla. INQ