WAR MATERIEL. The firearms, medical supplies and anti-government documents recovered by government soldiers and policemen from an encounter site in Flora, Apayao on Sunday (March 14, 2021). The firefight occurred days after town officials declared communist rebels as persona non grata. (Photo courtesy of 17IB, Philippine Army)
TUGUEGARAO CITY – A joint team of soldiers and police operatives seized four high-powered guns and assorted war materiel from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during a running gun battle in Flora, Apayao on Sunday.
Army soldiers from the 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) and Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 (MBLT10), and personnel from the Apayao Police Provincial Office, were conducting combat patrols when they encountered some 20 NPA rebels belonging to the West Front Committee-Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in Mallig village.
A 15-minute firefight ensued, forcing the rebels to withdraw to Sitio Tawini in Barangay Upper Atok where the government forces caught up with them, resulting in another 15-minute gun battle.
During the clearing operation after the communist fighters fled, Army soldiers recovered four rifles, medical supplies, anti-government documents, backpacks and other personal items at the encounter site.
The firefight occurred days after town officials declared communist rebels as persona non grata.
Lt. Col. Angelo C. Saguiguit, 17IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency they are thankful to the community for providing them information that led to the encounter and the recovery of firearms and war items.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PNA)
