Two NPA rebels slain in Cagayan clash

Cagayan province map. INQUIRER FILES

BAGUIO CITY — Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were found dead following a 10-minute gunfight in the mountains of Bugatay, Peñablanca, Cagayan, on Wednesday morning (Sept. 11), according to a belated military report.

The 502nd Infantry Brigade confirmed that the casualties, a man and a woman, sustained gunshot wounds to the head and body.

READ: AFP: 1,367 NPA rebels, supporters ‘neutralized’ from Jan-Aug 8

Their identities remained unknown, and their bodies have been transported to a local funeral home.

The clash occurred when a platoon from the 502nd Brigade encountered a 17-member group from the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV), led by Edgar Mancao Arbitrario, also known as “Karl,” during military security operations.

After the brief exchange of gunfire, the rebels retreated, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades.

A hot pursuit operation has since been launched. INQ