PH Army used airstrikes vs NPA in Abra, spox confirms

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army has used airstrikes against the suspected communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Pilar town in Abra, its spokesperson confirmed on Friday.

Several pieces of footage recorded in Abra made rounds on social media, showing flames shooting out of an aircraft, alarming local residents.

Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Army used A-29B Super Tucano aircraft to serve as “closed air support” for the 50th Infantry Battalion since Wednesday (April 3).

READ: Rebellion rap vs activists linked to Abra ambush

“Close air support was requested to assist our ground troops by providing precise targeting of enemy positions,” Dema-ala told INQUIRER.net in a text message on Friday.

The 50IB encountered more or less 30 armed NPA members from the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee.

READ: Will we encounter some NPA?

One Army personnel was injured during the clashes, and a Blackhawk helicopter was used to transport the soldier to the hospital, the Army said.