3 female foreigners sighted in Isabela clash

Three female foreigners were sighted after a clash in Echague, Isabela Saturday that left seven soldiers dead, a military officer said Tuesday.

Col. Loreto Magundayao said civilians had reported seeing three Caucasians after the encounter, which happened in barangay Mabbayad at about 5:15 a.m.

He said the report had been validated by military intelligence officers but details about the foreigners’ identity, group and activities remain unavailable.

“We are still investigating why they (foreigners) were there,” Magundayao said.

He said it is possible that the foreigners were visiting local residents or were conducting a medical mission.

The military has yet to establish a link between the foreigners and the members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Seven soldiers of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company were killed and eight others were wounded during Saturday’s clash in Isabela.

Killed during the 45-minute clash were 2Lt. Jimnah Torrepalma, Sgt. Eduardo Arguero, Cpl. Jondy Lar Ebersole, Pfc. Joemar Miguel, Pfc. Jerold Mina, Pfc. Albert Lagua and Pfc. Raul Alunday. – Alexis Romero