AT LEAST one suspected communist terrorist was killed during an encounter in Flora, Apayao on Friday, June 8, according to government troops.
A hot pursuit operation was conducted by elements of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Philippine Army against members of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in the province of Apayao after an encounter on June 8.
In a report from Nolcom, the encounter transpired in Sitio Agingay Batid in Barangay Manayugan. No government troops were wounded during the encounter.
Government troops identified the fatality as Danao Guallo Besitan from Rizal in Cagayan province based on identification cards from a wallet recovered from the body.
Nolcom and the 17th Infantry Battalion was conducting an operation against the communist terrorists in the area after receiving reports from the residents on the presence of members of the NPA.
Government troops encountered 20 rebels and engaged them in a 15-minute gunfight before the rebels fled to different areas, leaving the body of Besitan.
The troops also recovered an M4 rifle.