MEMBERS of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Pinukpuk, Kalinga were ambushed by still undetermined number of alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members Thursday morning.
Although the firefight lasted for less than a minute, no casualties were reported from either side according to 1st Lieutenant John Rey Caumban, civil military operations officer of the 501st Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division Philippine Army.
"Cafgu operatives were conducting a patrol when they were fired upon,” said Caumban.
Caumban added the NPA’s positioned themselves 300 meters north-west from the patrolling Cafgus in Barangay Allaguia.
After the exchange of fire, the government forces withdrew towards the southern direction of the barangay and returned to their base in Gamu, Isabela.
"We consider this incident instituted by the NPA's to be a form of harassment on our government troops which will not deter us from our mandate of ensuring peace for our citizens particularly in the far flung areas of our region," Caumban added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is still conducting a follow-up investigation on the said harassment by the NPAs.