MANILA, Philippines — Three soldiers were killed, while another one was hurt in an ambush by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Legazpi City, Albay on Sunday morning.
Captain John Paul Belleza, Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division public affairs chief, said the soldiers who belonged to the 31st Infantry Battalion, were aboard motorcycles when they were attacked by unidentified armed men believed to be NPA members in Barangay (village) Banquerohan at around 8:25 a.m.
Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, identified those killed as Corporal Joemar Maravilla, Private First Class Ronald Zamora, and Private First Class Reymar Palencia.
Another soldier, Sergeant Ferdinand Ignas was wounded in the attack, Calubaquib said.
She said the victims were on their way to the Legazpi City police station to coordinate the combat clearing operations of their unit.
The soldiers, Belleza said, were part of the brigade’s community support program and providing security in a road opening project that stretches from Barangay Villahermosa in Daraga town to Barangay Bariis in the said city.