“Hinabol-habol namin (rebels) sila hanggang nacorner na…” – Lt. Col. Obias (103rd Infantry Mabalasik Battalion) following fourth armed encounter in Pinukpuk, Kalinga

Pinukpuk, Kalinga – Lt. Colonel Jimric Obias, Battalion Commander of the 103rd Infantry “Mabalasik” Battalion, said in a separate interview with Guru Press Cordillera today, November 24, 2025, that they will not stop their pursuit operations against members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) following the first gunfight between government troops and rebels on November 22.

The latest armed encounter happened again in Allaguia, Pinukpuk today, November 24, marking the fourth clash between soldiers and rebels since Friday.

“Hinabol-habol namin sila hanggang macorner na… kaya yung encounter natin tatlong beses doon sa Allaguia. Kami, mga sundalo, ayaw sana namin ng madugong encounter kaya nakikiusap kami na hayaan nila kami na i-rescue sila. Pwede naman sila makipagtulungan sa mga LGUs o ibang agencies kung ayaw nila na direct sa Army,” Obias said.

The most recent gunfight transpired in Sitio Tami-ing around 6:34 a.m. Monday, where the 53rd Division Reconnaissance Company under the 103rd Infantry Battalion exchanged fire with approximately 10 members of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC).

The fleeing rebels withdrew toward the northeast direction, leaving behind an M16 rifle, an M16 lower receiver group, two old-issue jungle packs, and five backpacks at the encounter site.

According to the 5th Infantry Division, initial reports from the ground indicate that no soldier was killed or injured in the clash. Authorities are still determining whether there were casualties on the rebel side.

It could be recalled that government forces first clashed with an estimated 15 members of the Platoon Dos of the ICRC in Bayao, Pinukpuk on November 21 after a civilian reported their alleged extortion activities and presence in the area. This initial encounter triggered pursuit operations, resulting in three more clashes as rebels continued to evade authorities in Pinukpuk.

On November 23, one rebel was killed and one soldier wounded during the second encounter.

Meanwhile, the 5th ID stated that troops will continue their focused military operations to safeguard communities from the threat posed by CTG members.