NPA leader killed in Kalinga clash

MANILA, Philippines — A New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Kalinga on Monday.

Maj. Israel Galorio, Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) public information chief, identified the fatality as Rudy Daguitan, political officer of the Kilusang Larangang Baggas of Ilocos – Cordillera regional committee.

Galorio said the clash occurred in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga as personnel of the 50th Infantry Battalion were responding to the reported presence of armed men.

He said an M16 rifle was recovered from the fatality.

Daguitan was wanted for murder and had a P2.3-million bounty on his head.

In Apayao, soldiers engaged NPA rebels in gunfights in Barangays Mallig and Upper Atok in Flora town over the weekend.

Rifles and other war materiel were recovered at the scene.

Maj. Gen. Lawrence Mina, 5th Infantry Division commander, said the rebels suffered heavy casualties, citing bloodstains along their escape route.

Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said they would sustain efforts to eradicate the presence and influence of communist insurgents in the area. – Raymund Catindig, Artemio Dumlao