Death toll in Abra clash rises to 6

MANILA, Philippines - The number of suspected communist rebels who died during the encounter in Lacub, Abra last Thursday has risen to six while the number of firearms recovered from the insurgents has increased to 13, the military said yesterday. 

Armed Forces 1st Civil Relations Group chief Maj. Emmanuel Garcia said troops from the 41st battalion found an additional body and five firearms at the site of the encounter in Barangay Guinguinabang.

Eight M16 rifles,  two M653 baby Armalite, an AK47 Garand and a caliber .45 pistol along with a generator set, radios and subversive documents were also recovered.

“Authorities believe there could be more dead and wounded who might die if not given proper medical attention,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the gun battle, which started at 5 a.m. and lasted until noon, was “a major tactical victory” for the military.

Four of the fatalities were identified as Arnold Jaramillo alias Mando, secretary of the Abra Provincial Party Committee; Joel Banganan alias Ka Payas, commander of a local guerilla committee, Ronald Lang-ey Cocha and a certain Dumageng alias Jess.