Army probing presence of three foreigners in Isabela clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20): Army probing presence of three foreigners in Isabela clash

The Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division is looking into reports that three foreigners, one Oriental and two Caucasian, were present during the Nov. 17 encounter in Barangay Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela where seven soldiers and five rebels were killed. In the same gun-battle, seven soldiers were hurt alongside with nine New People's Army fighters. Col. Loreto Magundayao, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, made this statement after civilians, who witnessed the 45-minute firefight recounted seeing the three. "According to the civilians, one of the foreigners was Oriental looking while the two were Caucasian. In fact, according to them, one of the Caucasians was hit in the firefight," he said. He also said that two of the foreigners appeared to be women. However, Magundayao said that he could not still determine whether the latter were Caucasian or Oriental as the Army was still investigating the matter. The 5th Infantry Division spokesperson said that the three appeared to be members of a still unspecified non-government organization. He said that once they pinpointed these individuals, they would question the latter on their presence with the NPAs during the time of the encounter.....

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