2 NPA rebels killed in Mt. Province clashes

BAGUIO CITY (September 30, 2021)— Two alleged communist guerillas of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Abra, Mt. Province, Ilocos Sur  or “KLG-AMPIS” were killed Tuesday following clashes with the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry and 69th Infantry  Battalions, the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company  (72DRC) in Barangay  Mainit, Bontoc Mt. Province.

Lt. Col. Marcelo Valdez, commander of the 69th IB identified Ernesto Lucabin alias “Ashley” and Wilfredo Gaayon alias “Jazz” as those killed after troops overran a temporary encampment of the rebels.

The military however did not disclose how many rebels were encamped in the area.

An M14 rifle, 9 anti-personnel mines ; 5 magazines for M14 with 70 rounds of ammunition; 3 magazines for AK 47 with 20 rounds of ammunition; 2 blasting caps; 2 hand grenades; 2 rifle grenades; 4 cellphones; 2 commercial radios; one flash drive; 2 rolls of wire; 5 backpacks; and personal belongings were also seized.

The Acting Commander of Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Brigadier General Luis Rex Bergante said that the death of the two rebels “is a big blow to the terrorist organization in the Cordillera Region.”

Artemio A. Dumlao