2 soldiers slain, 3 wounded in Isabela clash

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela — Two Army soldiers were killed and three others were wounded in a clash on Friday (August 10) with suspected communist rebels at Jones town in Isabela province.

Sergeant Magno Bagioan of Abra province and Private First Class Romeo Bagioan of Mountain Province were killed after armed men attacked a military patrol at 4:47 a.m. in Sitio (subvillage) Diarao Baba in Dicamay 2 village, said Captain Jefferson Somera, spokesman of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division.

Wounded in the gun battle were 1Lt. Joshua Barrio, Sgt. Arnold Mangawit, Private First Class Gilbert Pablo and Private First Class Novel Maramag. They have been confined at the 5ID Station Hospital.

The armed men withdrew to the mountains following the ambush. Somera said pursuit operations have been undertaken. VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.