Another clash broke out between government troops and around 20 suspected communist rebels in Kabugao, Apayao, morning on Monday, April 7, 2025.
This was the third encounter in the area in just three days.
According to the 5th Infantry "Star" Division (5ID), Philippine Army (PA), the soldiers encountered Platoon Dos of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) in Barangay Maragat.
Major General Gulliver L. Señires, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, earlier warned that the days of the rebel group are numbered.
He said the government had given them enough time to surrender peacefully.
On April 5, soldiers also engaged the group twice in one day, leading to the recovery of high-powered firearms, war gear, and personal items.
Troops from the 98th Infantry Battalion (98IB) responded to a tip about armed men in Sitio Dagui.
When they arrived, they faced off against about 20 members of the NPA’s Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee.
5ID said the rebels retreated quickly, leaving behind weapons and explosives, including:
- 2 M16 rifles
- 1 Garand rifle
- 1 M203 grenade launcher with 3 rounds
- 1 cal. 9mm pistol
- 22 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- A rifle grenade, magazines with bullets
- Phones, SIM cards, USB drives, SD cards, and personal items with blood traces
No casualties were reported on the government’s side, but authorities found bloodstains at the site and nearby trails, suggesting rebel injuries.
Col. Darrell Bañez, acting commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, urged the remaining rebels to surrender. He said their continued armed struggle has caused too much suffering, and the government’s offer for peace still stands.
