The rebels, whose identities are yet to be ascertained by authorities, were reportedly retreating from Mankayan town on board a stolen dump truck when nabbed by policemen at a checkpoint in Barangay Bangao, Buguias town.
The nine guerrillas were "positively identified" by witnesses and militiamen as among those who attacked the Philippine Army detachment in Barangay Cabiten. Three government forces were killed in the encounter and 23 high-powered firearms were carted away by the raiding guerrillas.
The rebels were reportedly bound for Mountain Province where they are suspected to regroup with other guerrillas who participated in the daring midday raid. — Artemio Dumlao