Suspected NPA member killed in Kalinga clash —military

A suspected member of rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops in Balbalan, Kalinga on Monday, the military said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the public information office of Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) identified the fatality as Rudy Daguitan alias Pinpin.

Daguitan was an alleged political officer of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Baggas of Ilocos – Cordillera Regional Committee, according to the military.

On Monday, elements of the 50th Infantry Battalion had an encounter with suspected NPA members in Barangay Gawa-an as they responded to a report of a civilian about the presence of rebels in the area.

The firefight lasted for a few minutes as the rebels fled from the area.

After the encounter, the government troops recovered an M16 rifle, believed to be Daguitan’s firearm during the encounter.

Nolcom Commander Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. commended the troops for the operation.

Burgos also appealed to rebels to surrender to authorities.

"We know that you are tired and exhausted. If you value your life and the future of your family, lay down your arms and avail the government's integration program,” he said.

“A new beginning awaits you and your loved ones. Grab the opportunity while you still can. If you will not, the long arm of the law will eventually catch you, and it might be too late,” he added. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News