By Leilanie Adriano
LAOAG CITY – Government troops on Monday clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Maragat in Kabugao town, Apayao province, three days after a similar encounter took place in the same village.
According to the Philippine Army, the troops encountered an estimated 20 NPA rebels while conducting follow-up operations at around 10:25 a.m.
“These successive encounters clearly demonstrate that the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) are on the retreat and losing ground rapidly,” Lt. Col. Melchor Balasi, commanding officer of the 98th Infantry Battalion (IB), said in a statement.
On April 5, troops from 98th IB engaged members of the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU), Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) during a focused military operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Maragat.
The encounter led to the recovery of high-powered firearms, war materials, and personal items.
“We strongly urge the remaining members of this terrorist group to surrender, return to the folds of law, and choose the path of peace,” Balasi said.
Balasi urged residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities, as he noted that fleeing rebels have fewer places left to hide.
Meanwhile, government troops on Monday recovered a cadaver of suspected communist terrorist near the encounter site.
The cadaver was turned over to the local government unit of Apayao for proper disposition and identification.
The Philippine Army reiterated its full support to the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict through its sustained operations and strengthened civil-military operations in Apayao and nearby areas. (PNA)
