Soldier fighting for life after heroic rescue of couple in Zamboanga firefight

Members of the PNP Special Action Force who engaged in a close encounter killing one MNLF commander at a mangrove area after a brief chase in Barangay Talon Talon, Zamboanga City. PHOTO BY EDWIN BACASMAS

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—A junior officer is now fighting for his life after helping rescue an elderly couple on Martha Drive in Santa Catalina here on Tuesday night.

1Lt. Ian Paquit of the Light Reaction Company is now in critical condition after he was shot in the throat and legs while rescuing James West and his wife, Lucy, both in their 60s.

City Councilor BG Guingona said the couple was rescued around 6 p.m..

“James is okay and active. Lucy is dehydrated,” Guingona said.

Gunbattles between government soldiers and fighters from the Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front have been going on for the past two weeks after the Misuari faction attacked Zamboanga City in protest of the alleged failure of the Philippine government to implement the 1996 peace agreement with the rebel group.