Cops engage communist rebs in Apayao firefight

PUDTOL, Apayao – Police encountered an undetermined number of fully armed men believed to be communist rebels at about 6:45 a.m. on Sept. 24 here at Sitio Barayutan, Barangay Cacalaggan and fought them in a 30-minute firefight.

A civilian woman was hit by a stray bullet was hit by a stray bullet but declared out of danger when rushed to a nearby hospital.  

The rebels, believed to be under the leadership of David Soriano operating in Apayao and nearby provinces fled after the incident.

Recovered from the scene of encounter were two cellular phones, and empty bullet shells.

No government trooper was injured during the encounter. 

Regional police director Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong cited the troops for their bravery and immediately ordered the conduct of pursuit operations against the rebels.

Those who engaged the rebels in the encounter were elements of Regional Public Safety Battalion under Insp. Revocaland  Apayao Provincial Public Safety Company led by a certain Insp. Gadia.