Licuan-baay: Government troops have recovered the bodies of three suspected New People's Army (NPA) fighters along with three high-powered firearms during an ongoing military operation in Licuan-Baay, Abra, as reported by the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division (5ID).

According to Philippines News Agency, the 5ID issued a situation report at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday detailing that troops had also seized two M16 rifles and an M14 rifle. The report indicated that personnel from the 98th Infantry Battalion and the 50th Infantry Battalion engaged approximately 10 armed remnants of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee. The confrontation occurred during pursuit operations in Barangay Bonglo at about 11:10 a.m.

The military operation was initiated following an earlier encounter on August 2 and continues as of Tuesday afternoon. Additional information is expected to be released after validation by the operating units.

The Licuan-Baay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has advised residents of Barangay Bonglo and nearby communities to remain vigilant. They are urged to avoid the affected area and adhere to instructions from the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and local authorities.

Authorities have confirmed that 307 families, totaling around 705 individuals, in Barangays Bonglo and Lenneng have been impacted by the ongoing military operations. In response, tourist sites near the two villages have been temporarily closed.

The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has stated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera is coordinating with the military to provide assistance to affected families if necessary.

In a related development, approximately two weeks ago, another encounter between government troops and suspected NPA members in Tineg, Abra, resulted in the death of a newly enlisted soldier from Kalinga.