12 soldiers, 4 rescuers wounded in landmine blasts blamed on NPA

DIGOS CITY, Philippines – Sixteen people — including four rescue workers — were wounded in two ambushes allegedly perpetrated by communist rebels in Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Sunday.

Lt. Aldrin Moral, spokesperson of the 39th Infantry Battalion, said 12 soldiers — led by 1Lt. Ian Rogel Ngalew — were injured when hit by a landmine explosion and fired at by New People’s Army rebels as they were conducting foot patrol in Sitio Don Carlos in Barangay Managa past 11 a.m.

The military identified the injured as 1Lt. Ngalew, 25; 2Lt. Josepher Ansay, 24; Pfc. Edwin Mamalinta, 26; Pfc. Bryan Ferrer, 23; Pvt. Rodel John Reynalda, 23; Pfc. Toto Emar, 42; Pvt. Gonzalo Gella, 22; Pfc Jovane Adam, 31; Pfc Rodelle de Guzman, 26; Cpl. Jeofrey Espina, 42; and Cpl. Rufino Aguas, Jr., 31. The name of the 12th soldier was not provided.

Moral said four rescuers from the provincial disaster risk reduction management council – who were among a team of six – were traveling to the area around 7:30 p.m. to fetch the wounded soldiers when their ambulance was also hit by another landmine explosion.

The injured rescuers were identified as Bonita de la Cruz, nurse; Genaro Dumayas, driver; Alberto Cabual, and Arnel Valeroso.

The injured soldiers and the responders were brought to the Digos Doctors Hospital.

Due to the seriousness of their wounds, four of the soldiers were transferred to the military hospital in Davao City, Moral said.

Rescuer De la Cruz was already released from the hospital, while Dumayas underwent surgical operations due to severe wounds in his body.

Lt. Col. Norman Zuniega, 39th IB commander in a text message said, the attacks were a clear violation of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Originally posted: 11:32 pm | Sunday, March 2nd, 2014