NPA killed in Apayao clash

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was killed in an encounter in Apayao on Sunday.

The military identified the fatality as Roger Antonio, alias Ka Bernard of Lasam, Cagayan.

Eight others including an alleged ranking rebel leader based in Cagayan escaped following the firefight that lasted five minutes in Flora town.

The military said a civilian informant tipped them about the presence of Antonio and his companions including Edgar Bautista, alias Ka Simoy.

The Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion said Bautista is the leader of the NPA’s Cagayan provincial committee in Cagayan Valley.

Soldiers said they recovered a rifle grenade, ammunition, radio, flashlight, medical supply and personal belongings from Antonio.