Five troopers killed in clash with Abra NPAs

TUBO, Abra – Five army troopers were recently killed here by a platoon under the Agustin Begnalen Command, New People’s Army when the guerillas repulsed an attack on their camp by elements of the 50th IB under a certain 1st Lt. Pedrigosa here.

Ka Diego Wadagan, ABC-NPA spokesman said the Army troops initiated their attack by firing on an NPA sentry patrol about 5 a.m.

“In the ensuing gunbattle that raged until noon, NPA guerillas quickly outmaneuvered the army troops and regained the initiative,” he said. “The army troops retreated after being driven back from a small part of the camp they occupied.”

A few hours after the gunbattle, two Huey helicopters and an OV-10 Bronco plane reportedly strafed and bombed parts of barangay Tubtuba, Tubo.

Wadagan said five troopers were killed in the gunbattle. The NPA lost one
guerilla, Richard "Ka Daniel" Pingyan who was hit in the initial burst of bullets. “The raiding enemy troops were transported out of the area by helicopters.”

He said the same army unit set up an 105mm howitzer in Barangay Tubtuba March to April this year.

Wadagan said the army troops killed a farmer, terrorized the residents, and stole livestock when they occupied the community. “They also killed and mutilated the body of Sammy Rey "Ka
Cholo" Cayago, an NPA guerilla whom they captured in action.”