MANILA, Philippines — Five persons, including four soldiers were killed in an attack staged by New People’s Army rebels Sunday afternoon in Camarines Norte, the military said.
Major Angelo Guzman of the 9th Infantry Division said a nine-man peace and development team (PDT) led by First Lieutenant Eric Estrevillo were conducting community work in Maot village, Labo town in Camarines Norte when the rebels fired their guns and started a 40-minute firefight.
The slain civilian was identified as Francisco Ruales, 49 years old. Another civilian was injured and identified as Marlo Matibang.
The fatalities on the government side were Corporal Amado Perillo, Private First Class Paulo Orticio, Private First Class Teodoro Ojeda and Private First Class Sonecio Potian.
First Lieutenant Alfie Lee, one of the first to reinforce in the area, was quoted in saying that Perillo was holding the Philippine Flag over his chest when his body was recovered.
Meanwhile, Private First Class Leland Besada who sustained a gunshot wound in the neck was safely evacuated with Marlo Matibang at Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in the Municipality of Daet for immediate treatment, Guzman said.
The rebels were able to take with them six M16 rifles, a K3 sub machinegun and a caliber .45 pistol from the soldiers.
Colonel Richard Lagrana, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade directed the 49th Infantry Battalion to conduct pursuit operation to track down the perpetrators.
The bodies of the victims were brought at St Peter’s Funeral Homes in Daet and is expected to be at the St Martin of Tours Chapel at the Headquarters of the 9th Infantry Division tomorrow afternoon to honor the fallen soldiers.
A board of inquiry was also put up to look into possible lapses incurred in order to improve the conduct of similar future PDT operations, Guzman added.