THE troops of the 103rd Infantry Battalion and the 98th Infantry Battalion under the 503rd Infantry Brigade had successive encounters with the communist terrorist NPA in the area of Balbalan, Kalinga.
According to Major Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the first encounter occurred at around 10:30 AM on Friday, May 31, 2024, between the troops of the 103rd Infantry Battalion.
It is estimated that around ten members of the Guerilla Front Committee (KLG) Baggas were located in the part of Barangay Balbalan Proper, Balbalan, Kalinga.
According to him, they were able to locate the rebel group because of the reports from the residents.
“Through the ongoing military operations conducted by our soldiers in the province of Abra, we were able to locate the members of the Guerilla Front Committee (KLG) Baggas with the help of our fellow citizens who provided information about the whereabouts of this armed group,” according to Maj. Rigor Pamittan, Spokesperson, 5th Infantry Division.
In the said encounter, the military recovered one M14 Rifle, one Springfield Rifle, various types of ammunition, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosive materials, and personal belongings.
At around one o’clock in the afternoon on the same day, the 98th Infantry Battalion encountered the retreating armed group in Barangay Balantoy, Balbalan, Kalinga.
In the mentioned skirmish, two soldiers were wounded while the military recovered one M16 rifle, two backpacks, one IED, blasting caps, various medications, subversive documents, and other personal belongings of the NPA.
Major Pamittan stated that the two wounded soldiers are now in stable condition.
“Regarding the injuries sustained by Corporal Jonard Addatu and Private First Class Rojemar A. Cuyen, as of now, our two soldiers are in stable condition,” Pamittan added.
As of now, the 5th Infantry Division continues to pursue the fleeing rebels
“We continue to conduct pursuit operations up to these days to apprehend the remaining members of the KLG Baggas,” Pamittan expressed.
Based on the initial report received by the 5th Infantry Division, there were traces of blood found in the areas where the NPA passed through, indicating the possibility of casualties among the fleeing rebels.
“In the latest reports from our ground forces, they have found traces of blood that may have come from the remaining members of the KLG Baggas who are still in hiding, and we estimate that there are wounded among their ranks,” Pamittan added.
Maj. Pamittan assured the public that no civilians were affected during their operation.
Despite the intensive pursuit operation to apprehend the remaining members of the KLG Baggas, the Kalinga Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict continues to urge the remaining members of the communist group to surrender to the government and embrace a peaceful life.
