BAGGAO, Cagayan, October 29, 2011-The 17th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bariwanay, Barangay San Miguel here confirmed that four (4) members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in action with undetermined number of NPA-wounded while three (3) civilians injured in a recent clash of the military against the rebels.
The firefights started as early as 5:30 Thursday morning when the BAYANIHAN PATROL led by 2Lt. Kenneth Pangcoga was fired upon by the group believed to be part of SPP Cagayan. The civilians tipped-off 2lt Pangcoga as early as 4 in the morning to warn the group of the rebels’ presence nearby.
Government troops recovered two (2) M16 rifles, one (1) shotgun, one (1) generator set, one (1) laptop, one (1) computer printer, one (1) cell phone and subversive documents at the place of encounter.
NOLCOM spokesperson Captain Jovily Carmel Cabading reiterated the position of Major General Jessie Dellosa that despite the fate that has befallen some soldiers especially in Basilan recently, the AFP will not waiver in its commitment to pursue all-out peace.
“We, as soldiers do not rejoice in the death of these four rebels. They are our fellow Filipinos. It is just unfortunate that they opted to trek the wrong path. We will find more fulfillments in our mission if people like them will voluntarily lay down their arms and start life anew with their loved ones. We do not want unnecessary bloodshed.”
Lieutenant Colonel Alvin V. Flores, the battalion commander of 17IB has requested for medical team instead of the usual combat reinforcement. “We are sending a message to the wounded NPAs that we will receive them with open arms and will definitely attend to their medical needs. We have no choice but to stop the hot pursuit operations because they opted to hide inside the civilian’s abode. If they fire at our troops first, we cannot immediately fire back fearing for the presence of civilians inside the houses. If they continue to hide inside the houses, it will appear that they are holding the civilians hostages.”
He added that the latter information was tipped off by a fleeing civilian (whose house) where the NPAs sought refuge. She reported the presence of two wounded (claiming to be civilians) were at the next house.
Cabading identified the names of three (3) civilians wounded as Zaldy Durado (25y/o), Arnold passion (30y/o) and Arnolito Durado (4y/o). The latter's finger is slightly wounded. (Jason de Asis)
