5 suspected rebels killed in Cagayan clash —military

Five alleged rebels were killed in a two-hour clash of their group and government troops in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan on Tuesday, the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division (5ID) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the military said the 5ID encountered more or less 40 communist rebels supposedly part of the Komiteng Probinsiya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon - Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

Intermittent firefight lasted for around two hours.  

According to the military, close air and fire support was immediately delivered to support the soldiers from the rebels’ counter fires and anti-personnel landmines.

The communist rebels then fled to different directions, the military said.

Recovered were five cadavers of suspected communist rebels, three high powered firearms, five anti-personnel mines, five handheld radios, four cellphones, assorted medical supplies and equipment, subversive documents, and other belongings, it added.

With the recovery of the landmines, the military pointed out that the communist rebels supposedly still disregard the International Humanitarian Law, particularly the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines.

According to the military, communist rebels were allegedly conducting extortion activities in the area.

5ID commander Major General Laurence Mina said their division continues its coordination with the community and local government units for the peace and development of their areas.

"I am once again calling the remaining communist rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. The government is always ready to help you live a new life," he said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News