Soldiers lauded for ‘saving’ rebel

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 15): Soldiers lauded for ‘saving’ rebel

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division yesterday commended Negrense Col. Ademar Tomaro, the new commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, and his men for strictly implementing the code of conduct stipulated in the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”. The group was recommended for extending medical first aid and evacuating an injured New People’ Army rebel to a hospital, saving his life. In his report to Major General Ceasar Ordoyo yesterday, Tomaro said the injured NPA member was airlifted to a military hospital in Maguindanao, after an encounter on Tuesday with 6th Scout Ranger Company troopers in Tulunan town of North Cotabato. Government troopers recovered an M16 and AK-47 assault rifles from the encounter site, where the body of a suspected NPA rebel killed in the encounter, was also found, military records show. Tomaro assumed command of the 602nd Infantry Brigade two weeks ago. He supervises the internal peace and security operations of four Army battalions in central Mindanao. Several days before the encounter, an abandoned rebel camp was discovered in the area by state security forces. Ordoyo also commended Tomaro, Lt. Col. Noel de la Cruz and 1Lt. Jonathan Sara Sara for the proper handling of the combat operation, and for strictly observing the Rules of Engagement. No casualty was reported on the government side. “Though we are gaining grounds against the NPA, “Ordoyo said, “I am also saddened that somebody’s life had to be sacrificed”. Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that the 47th Infantry Battalion also extended help to the family of slain NPA medical officer Julia Tabat during her burial in Candoni recently. The NPA Armando Sumayang Command hailed Tabat, who was killed in an encounter with 47IB soldiers, as a martyr of the revolutionary movement.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/15/police.htm