Soldier in relief mission wounded in clash with NPA in Albay

INQUIRER FILES

LIGAO CITY — A soldier belonging to the Philippine Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) was wounded in an encounter with a group of communist rebels in Barangay (village) Matanglad, Pio Duran town, Albay province on Sunday, October 27.

Major Frank Roldan, chief of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office, told the Inquirer in a phone interview that the troops were transporting relief goods for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) in Barangay Matangland when they encountered approximately 11 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, resulting in a 15-minute exchange of fire.

“One soldier was hit by shrapnel, causing a wound on his knee. He is now stable and recovering,” Roldan said.

The troops recovered from the clash site an improvised explosive device, a detonating switch and cord, one bandolier, a cellular phone, three hammocks, and four backpacks, he added.

When asked if there were any casualties on the enemy side, Roldan said, “Still undetermined; they withdrew toward the northwest.”

Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, Bicol police director, condemned the atrocities committed by the rebels as law enforcers were out helping those displaced by the storm that has devastated most of the Bicol Region.

“We are calling on citizens to report the presence of these communist terrorist groups and to help stop the offensive actions against the military, who are conducting humanitarian activities for TS Kristine victims,” he said in a separate phone interview on Sunday.