2 soldiers slain in clash with NPA rebels

Two Army soldiers were killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Pinukpuk, Kalinga on Tuesday.

Cpl. Jether Langkay and Pfc. Dwight Bonggat were with a group of soldiers of the 50th Infantry Battalion who responded to reports that rebels led by Rudy Daguitan, alias Ka Pinpin, were extorting money from residents of Sitio Matayug, Barangay Ba-ay when they were fired at.

Sgt. Virgilio Jacinto and Pfc. Kevin Macaiba were wounded in the firefight.

The military said several guns and personal belongings were recovered from the rebels.

In Isabela, around 10 NPA guerrillas attacked Army patrol bases in Barangays San Jose and Casala, San Mariano, triggering a gunfight. There was no reported casualty on both sides.

The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said the rebels are members of the group led by Melicio Casisola of the NPA’s Northern-Central Luzon committee.

“The police and all military units at Nolcom were alerted and instructed to intensify…security operations and monitor NPA terrorist plans,” Nolcom said in a statement.

Retired cop killed

Also in Kalinga, retired police officer Johnny Adaol was cleaning his lot in Sitio Lucuyan, Barangay Lacnog, Tabuk when he was shot by NPA rebels.

Four bullet shells for a caliber .45 pistol were recovered at the scene.

Pursuit operations for the communists are ongoing.