Soldiers, rebels briefly clash in Abra

BAGUIO CITY — Government troops from the Philippine Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion fought with a band of communist rebels right at the heart of Boliney, Abra town’s center on Monday morning.

A platoon of solders were reportedly conducting a so-called Decicise Military Operation (DMO) in Barangay Poblacion, Boliney at around 7:25 a.m. on Monday when they chanced upon communist guerillas that ensued into a five-minute running gunbattle.

The rebels, however, withdrew toward the northeast direction as they were overpowered and outmaneuvered by government troops. 

No one was reported hurt by the military while it is still being verified if rebels incurred casualties from the firefight.

Boliney town policemen immediately pitched checkpoints against the communist rebels in a bid to catch the comrades of the band of guerillas who fought with soldiers who may have been holed up in the villages.

Police stations from nearby towns were also alerted to conduct necessary actions against the rebels.