5 NPA rebels nabbed in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines — Five New People’s Army rebels were arrested following an encounter with policemen in Barangay Niug Norte in Sto. Niño, Cagayan yesterday.

Lt. Col. Virgilio Abellera Jr., Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Cagayan Valley commander, identified those arrested as Edwin Callaueng, Aiza Antonio, Ramil Andam, Alvin Andam and Jayson Melad.

In a radio interview, Abellera said Callaueng was wounded in the 10-minute firefight.

It was learned that Callaueng has pending arrest warrants for attempted murder, violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as illegal possession, manufacture and acquisition of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Abellera said the clash occurred when personnel of the 202nd Maneuver Company responded to reports from residents on the presence of armed men in the area.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the government.