Balbalan, Kalinga (6 February) -- Three military personnel were killed while two others were wounded during an ambush incident in the afternoon of February 4, at Sitio Balala of Mabaca of this municipality.

21st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel Antonio Lastimado said government troopers s under Bravo Company Commander 1st Lieutenant Espinas were conducting military operations in the area when around 15 heavily armed members of the New People's Army (NPA) staged the ambush.

The exchange of fire he said lasted for about 20 minutes resulting to the killing of three government troops.

Killed during the mission he said were Pfc Ricarte Pagala of Sanches Mira, Cagayan, Pfc Johnny Tongdo Jr. of Pinukpuk, Kalinga and Private Chocowen Ngaya-an of Balbalan.

Wounded were identified as Pfc Jeffrey Aganon and Pfc Nicanor Canceran.