Soldier dies to save fellow soldiers in ambush by NPA rebels

MANILA, Philippines—A soldier was killed to save the lives of his fellow soldiers in an ambush by the New People’s Army rebels in Catanduanes early Monday, the military said.

In a statement from the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, a military truck carrying a platoon of soldiers from the 83rd Infantry Battalion was ambushed by seven NPA rebels in Brgy Balatohan, in San Miguel town at about 1:30 a.m.

The fatality was identified as Private First Class Edel Llamas, 24.

“Pfc Llamas provided covering fires against the rebels with his K3 sub machinegun despite under heavy enemy fires. This brave act allowed the rest of the platoon to unload the truck then engage the NPA rebels in a five minute firefight before the rebels retreated,” said Lieutenant Colonel Rod Batang, Commanding Officer of the 83rd Infantry Battalion stationed in Catanduanes.

A member of the platoon recalled him shouting “Baba na, baba na, ako na bahala dito (Get off the truck, I’ll take care of this),” as he fired his K3 submachine gun against the rebels. He died but his act saved 29 soldiers, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Private First Class Elisio Gran was hit on his right leg but was immediately brought to the Eastern Bicol Medical Center in Virac and was already in stable condition.

The soldiers were from a security patrol to watch over a hydroelectric plant in Solong village in San Miguel when they were ambushed by the rebels. Intel reports said the rebels threatened to destroy the hydroelectric plant after extortion demands were not granted by the management.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing against the rebels, the statement said.

The family of Llamas will receive all the benefits, assistance and honors he is entitled with, it added.