Two suspected NPA rebels killed in Isabela —military

Two suspected New People's Army members were killed on Friday during an encounter with state forces in San Mariano, Isabela, the military said on Saturday.

The encounter occurred in Diwagao Complex in Barangay Tappa.

According to the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry (Star) Division, government troops received a tip from residents about the presence of the rebels.

Troops from the 95 Infantry “Salaknib” Battalion and the 1st Isabela Police Mobile Force Company proceeded to the area and were fired upon by the suspected NPAs.

An exchange of gunfire followed lasting about five minutes, then the rebels fled in different directions, the military said.

During the clearing operation, the government troops found the bodies of two suspected NPA rebels with two M16 rifles.

They were identified by former rebels as alias Dave, a squad leader; and alias Albert, an element. Both are said to be part of the remaining squad of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) of the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV). The military said the group's mission is to reestablish their lost mass base in that area of San Mariano.

The troops are coordinating with local officials for the proper disposition of the remains of the two suspected rebels.

Major General Laurence Mina, commander of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division, commended the troops for their immediate response that led to the successful operation.

Mina also thanked residents for their timely tip about the presence of the rebels in their area. —KG, GMA News