Davao soldiers try in vain to save dying NPA member

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29): Davao soldiers try in vain to save dying NPA member

Soldiers had tried to save the life of a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was wounded and rescued during an encounter in Barangay Katipunan, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley on April 25.

Renier Perez, a resident of Barangay Tulalian, Sto. Tomas town in Davao del Norte, expired at 2 a.m. Sunday at the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City.

"I gave specific instructions to my men for him to be given humane treatment. I enjoined my men to pray for his complete recovery. Unfortunately, he didn't make it. God's will be done. He suffered enough," said Lt. Col. Michael Logico, commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion.

Logico condoled with the family of Perez and assured that they will be closely coordinating with the provincial government of Compostela Valley to facilitate the hospital requirements and decent burial of the NPA rebel.

He said since Perez was evacuated at the hospital, soldiers were on alternate duty at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pumping the manual ventilator that supported Perez as he fought for survival.

“They were the same troops who alternately carried him from the mountainous area towards the poblacion using an improvised stretcher. He died of multiple organ failure according to the attending physician,” he said.

According to Logico, the surgeon said Perez’s intestines and liver were severely damaged.

The body of Perez now lies in state at Villa Real Funeral Homes in Tagum City. The family will later decide where his remains will be laid.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=520853