2 NPA rebels slain in Mountain Province clash

Government soldiers recovered various firearms and ammunition after a 30-minute gunbattle Tuesday with New People’s Army rebels in Mountain Province. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army 5th Infantry Division)

GAMU, Isabela––Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a 30-minute gunfight Tuesday, Sept. 28, with government troops in Mountain Province, the military said.

The communist rebels were identified as Ernesto Lucaben Jr., alias Ka Ashley/Lando, and Wilfredo Gaayon, alias Ka Jaz, said Maj. Jekyll Julian Dulawan, Army’s 5th Infantry Division spokesperson.

In a phone interview, Dulawan said the slain rebels belonged to NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur.

Army soldiers seized an M14 Armalite rifle, five magazines of M-14 rifle loaded with 70 rounds of bullets, three magazines of Ak-79 rifle with 20 rounds of bullets, and nine anti-personnel mines from the scene.

Also recovered were two rifle grenades, two hand grenades, two blasting caps, wires, medicines, and other personal belongings left by the rebels when they fled after the firefight.

No casualties were reported among the government soldiers, Dulawan said. INQ

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