Apayao, Philippines – The government forces in Apayao recently seized war materials believed to be owned by the communist terrorist group they had encountered early morning of June 3, 2022 in Sitio Paco, Barangay Aurora, Pudtol, Apayao.
The gunfight between the members of the 17th Infantry Battalion and the West Front Committee of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley lasted for 20 minutes, the 5th Infantry Division reported.
When the rebels had withdrawn, the army searched the encounter site where they initially discovered an M16 5.56 rifle with a long magazine and 17 ammunition, two anti-personnel mines, and bag packs.
No one was harmed on the part of the army during the incident. They are still verifying the situation on the rebels’ side.
17th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Logan mentioned that the other troops have already been alerted to block the possible exit of the rebels as well as for the possible apprehension of the members of the CTG they encountered.
Operations are still ongoing to look for more possible war materials and other belongings left by the rebels. Brigadier General Steve Crespillo, 501st Infantry Brigade Commander stated that the recovery of these materials could save innocent lives.
“Your army troops will not hesitate on risking [their] own life just to protect the people against the inhumane and unlawful acts of the CTGs,” Crespillo emphasized, warning the rebels to lay down their arms or face the ‘consequences of supporting the enemy of the state’.
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