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 17th 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 2nd 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
5th 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.
