Two army hurt in Abra ambush

AT LEAST two army were hurt during a short clash with militant groups in Abra over the weekend.

24th IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tomas Baluga said while undergoing security operations in Barangay Alangtin, Tubo-Abra on November 12, the army encountered some 10 armed individuals who immediately engaged them in a 10 minute gun fight

Two government troops were wounded during the gunfight according to Baluga.

After scampering to various directions, government troops conducted a clearing operation which resulted to the discovery of a rifle grenade, a bandolier, six short used magazines for M-16 armalite rifle, one medical back pack kit and some

subversive documents.

The Army also recovered a 50 meter long cable wire switch used for activating improvised explosive devices or IED's.

Subversive documents indicated the armed individuals were members of the "Kilusang Larangang Guerrilla" of the New People's Army.

"This group may have been operating in the province for a time basing on the equipments they left which they use for their counter operations against our government troops," Baluga explained.

The government troops could not ascertain whether the rebel group have sustained any wounded or killed operatives as they escaped to different places after the gun fight.

"Our government troops will maintain our presence in the province to assure peace as it is our mandate being personnel of the armed forces to ensure peace, and to engage armed groups having a different ideology against the government if necessary," Baluga added.