Three government soldiers were killed when members of the 50th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army encountered New People's Army rebels at barangay Balantoy in Balbalan, Kalinga. The firefight occurred on Tuesday night. There were around 19 soldiers on the government side. The number of rebels they encountered is still undetermined. The rebels are believed to be members of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Baggas of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Party Committee (ICRC).
The soldiers were reportedly in the midst of an operation in the area after receiving complaints from residents that communist rebels were spotted in the area. The encounter between the two forces lasted for about 45 minutes.
The soldiers who perished in the battle were identified as Corporal John Rey Dayag of Naneng, Tabuk, Private First Class Jocel Abbacan of Pasil, and Private First Class Jordan Bolar. of Isabela.
[Sources:
Herald Express,
Bombo Cauayan]
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