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Monday, October 06, 2008
2 soldiers, civilian killed in clash with rebels
DUMAGUETE CITY -- Two soldiers and a barangay volunteer were killed during a clash with communist rebels around 4 a.m. Sunday in the village of Buenavista in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.
Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Bernard Neri, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion, identified those killed as Privates First Class John Cervo, 29, of Barangay Tubod, Bingawan, and Stephen Rey Dohinog, 24, of Capaycapay, Dueñas, Iloilo.
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Also killed was Nelson Lucanilao, president of the Buenavista barangay defense system.
Neri said the bodies of the fatalities would be brought home to their families on Monday.
Another soldier, Corporal Arnold Montenola, and Lucanilao's vice president, Ruben Balili, were injured and brought to different hospitals, said Colonel Cesar Yano, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander. Yano's brigade is the control command of the 79th IB.
Montenola, who sustained a leg injury, was brought to Silliman Medical Center, while Ruben was rushed to the Bayawan District Hospital.
Describing the slain soldiers, Neri said one was hit on the head while the other sustained gunshot injuries in different parts of his body.
The soldiers rushed to Buenavista after being informed of the presence of communist rebels in the area. Neri said the troopers, however, found themselves at a disadvantageous position.
According to Neri, the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, numbering between 40 and 50, used automatic machine gun, M16 armalite rifles, M14 garand rifles, and other high powered firearms.
The communist group, however, withdrew after an hour of exchanging fire with the soldiers, he said. Also, Neri added, troops conducting clearing operations noticed bloodstains along the group's path of retreat. (VLC/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pampanga. (October 6, 2008 issue)
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