MANILA, Philippines—After an encounter with communist guerrillas, the military identified one of the fatalities from the New People’s Army side as one of the rebels’ high-ranking officials in Abra.
Lieutenant General Virgilio Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines North Luzon Command, identified one of fatalities as Arnold Amarillo, the secretary of the NPA Abra Provincial Committee.
Trinidad said the loss of Amarillo would be a big blow for the NPA operations in Abra.
After the firefight, government troops recovered two Baby Armalites, two M16 rifles, one Carbine, one Garand, one caliber .45 pistol and two communication radios.
The military reported no casualties from the government side.
Trinidad said that the AFP is still hoping that the rebels would return to mainstream society and give up their armed rebellion.
“I am asking them, we are very open for them to come back,” Trinidad said. “We can both work for peace and development.”
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