Civilian hurt by stray bullet during NPA attack in Albay

NAGA CITY, Philippines–A civilian bystander was hit by a stray bullet when unidentified armed men, believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA), fired at a military vehicle in Guinobatan, Albay, Monday afternoon, the Army said.

The civilian identified as Rose Otilano was injured after around five communist rebels opened fire at a KM450 vehicle of the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay (village) Morera, Guinobatan town, at 12:47 p.m., said Captain Mardjorie Panesa, public affairs officer of the 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Panesa said the vehicle was transporting six Army personnel to Legazpi City when the rebels fired more than 10 bullets at them. No one on board the vehicle was hurt.

Otilano, who was standing near the roadside, was found hit by a stray bullet after the rebels escaped from the area, said Panesa.

Otilano was immediately taken to the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital in Legazpi City by a civilian ambulance for medical treatment.

Panesa said troops of the 2IB with Guinobatan Municipal Police Office conducted an investigation. Pursuit operations were immediately conducted.