Army soldier killed, 2 hurt in Abra firefight

By Mar T. Supnad

BANGUED, Abra -- Army and police elements are now scouring known New People’s Army lairs in the province after an army soldier was killed while two other troopers were seriously wounded when they encountered a group of 20 heavily armed NPA rebels at Sitio Beew, Barangay Alangtin, Tubo, a report received here said.

Senior Supt. Johnny Bacbac, Abra police director, reported a platoon from Charlie Company of 50th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army engaged around 20 NPA rebels in a firefight April 2 in the forested area of Alangtin, that lasted for about one and a half hour.

The army said as usual, undetermined number rebels were either killed or wounded during the gun battle.

Bacbac identified the dead solider as PFC Arnel Daracan while the d wounded were PFCs Domar Ignacio and Rendon Bogya.

The casualties were immediately airlifted to Abra provincial police headquarters here aboard a Philippine Army chopper.

Government troops are still in the hot pursuit against the rebels while Abra PPO was raised to full alert status.

Bacbac said they are now monitoring hospitals and local clinics to check possible casualties and wounded brought for treatment by the rebels.