NPAs abandon pregnant comrades; military to the rescue

DAVAO CITY – Soldiers from the 8th Infantry Battalion stumbled on a five-month-pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, who was wounded and was left behind by her comrades after a firefight in a remote village of Impasugong, Bukidnon, a military spokesperson said Sunday.

1Lt. Teresita Ingente, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro, said soldiers were pursuing some 40 NPA members on Saturday following a firefight in Sitio Ulayanon in Barangay Kalabugao when they found the 22-year old rebel, who was wounded in the forehead.

Ingente said that to the surprise of pursuing troops, the rebel – later identified as Susan Cabusao Guaynon – was found to be five months pregnant.

“Troops immediately applied first aid and sought for her evacuation to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment,” she said, adding that as of Sunday, Guaynon was already in stable condition.

During the pursuit, Ingente said soldiers recovered six firearms, including AK47 rifles and an Armalite rifle.

“We will inform the direct family of Susan and will see to it that she receives the medical treatment needed in coordination with the local government of Impasugong and the province of Bukidnon. It is to show that the government respects Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the 8th IB commander, said.

Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the treatment of the NPA to a wounded comrade was “shameful.”

“They should be looking after her, especially that she is pregnant and needs monthly check-ups,” Vinoya said.

Major General Ronald Villanueva, the commander of the 4th ID, said the Impasugong incident showed the communists were not sincere in their call for peace.

“You have been calling for the resumption of peace talks, but always failed to show sincerity.” Villanueva added. /cbb