Woman hurt in crossfire

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – A 50-year-old woman was wounded after she was caught in a crossfire between the  government troops and the New People’s Army guerrillas in Balagan, Sto. Niño, Cagayan last Thursday.

Carmelita Corpuz, of Lasam, Cagayan, was reportedly visiting a relative in the area when the encounter took place, according to Lt. Rowena Abayhon, spokesperson for the 5th Infantry Division.

Corpuz was taken to the Camp Melchor dela Cruz Station Hospital in Gamu, Isabela for treatment.

Abayhon told The STAR that the Army provided P5,000 cash to Corpuz as financial assistance. 

The Army said the troops were conducting security operation in Barangay Balagan when they chanced upon the rebels shortly at about 1 p.m.

Witnesses said the NPA retreated taking with them their wounded comrades.