GUNFIGHT BET. ARMY and NPA in APAYAO: Military and rebels clash anew in Maragat, Kabugao

Kabugao, Apayao – More blood believed to be from wounded rebels were discovered by authorities in the continuing clash between the soldiers and the members of a communist terrorist group (CTG) in Kabugao, Apayao.

Five days since the first encounter in Barangay Maragat on April 5, the government troops once again exchanged fire with a group of rebels this Thursday, April 10. This is the fourth clash that transpired between the two groups in Maragat.

While there was no report of injuries among the government forces, the soldiers who are currently pursuing around 20 rebels found more traces of blood. This, they said, could possibly be from the fleeing CTGs who withdrew in different directions after the fourth gunfight, which lasted for several minutes.

Through the recent clash, soldiers were able to recover an M16A1 rifle and other belongings owned by the rebels.

The 503rd Infantry Brigade, meantime, assured the public that the community in Maragat is safe, saying, “the military has assured the public that the situation is under control and residents are safe.”