LEGAZPI CITY — Two civilians and two Army soldiers were hurt in an attack allegedly staged by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Saturday night in a remote village in Barcelona town in Sorsogon province.
Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said a group of soldiers were at the Philippine army temporary patrol base in Barangay Sta. Lourdes when they were fired upon by a group of rebels positioned 70 meters away at around 8:15 p.m.
Civilians Jecil Emberga, 18, and Justine Enavia, 12, and soldiers Private John Marlou Villaos, 22, and Private First Class Mark Joseph Mohar, 27, were wounded in the 10-minute firefight between the soldiers and rebels that ensued.
The rebels fled towards neighboring villages after the attack.