2 SOLDIERS PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN KALINGA

Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Two (2) Army soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice and three (3) others were hurt while performing security patrol at vicinity Sitio Tumiangan, Barangay Dupag, Tabuk City, Kalinga at about 1:40 pm this afternoon, August 30.

The fierce firefight happened when the troops of 17^th Infantry Battalion responded to the information given by the villagers about the presence of the NPA rebels in the area who were conducting extortion activities. Upon reaching at the area, star troopers were fired upon by an undetermined number of NPA remnants that resulted to the incurred casualties from the government forces.

The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital for their immediate medical treatment.

The slain soldiers were identified as Corporal Dominador A Concordia and Private First Class Rey B Raagas while those wounded were 2^nd Lieutenant CZAR N CARSIDO, Private First Class Marnel L Langnga and Private First Class Kennedy D Sallaya.

The report disclosed that the withdrawing NPA rebels were seen by the villagers carrying with them their undetermined number of casualties. Hot pursuit operations are being conducted by the troops to ensure the protection and safety of the villagers who are the usual victims of the violent activities of the NPA rebels.

The leadership of the Army’s 5^th Infantry Division extended their deep sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers who offered the supreme sacrifices to risk their lives in order to fulfill their mandate to protect and secure the lives of our countrymen.