Soldier sniped

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 17): Soldier sniped

Army records seven soldiers killed by snipers this year

A soldier was gunned down by alleged members of the New People’s Army in New Corella, Davao del Norte, last Monday morning. He was the seventh soldier sniped by communist rebels.

Cpl. Zalde G. Sario of the 60th Infantry Battalion was declared dead on arrival after he was rushed to Tagum City Regional Hospital. He incurred a wound on his stomach after being shot by two members of the NPA with an M14 rifle at around 11:20 a.m.
Based on the military report, the gunmen positioned themselves at a chapel in Purok 7, Barangay Sta. Fe, which was situated at a high ground about 100 meters away.

Sario was leading a Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) team during a dialogue with villagers for a proposed community project.

Soldiers immediately fired back which prompted the group to retreat. Sario was given first aid and immediately rushed to the hospital.

The 60th IB commander Lt. Col. Llewellyn Binasoy condemned who were taking advantage on soldier’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

”It is provided in Part 4, Article 4, Section 8 that places of worship and religious institutions must be respected and should be spared from any military attack,” Binasoy said in a statement.

Col. Buenaventura C. Pascual, 1003rd Brigade commander, said in a statement that the sacrifices and heroism of their soldiers will not be put in vain. He said the attack only “inflames our commitment” to “prevent them from further terrorizing our people.”

“ We will not allow them to deter our commitment to help the least of our brothers in exploring better opportunities in life. We firmly stand to that quest,” he added.

Last month, five soldiers were sniped by rebels in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental and another one in January. Last year, 11 soldiers were killed using the same method in the region.

http://www.mindanaotimes.net/soldier-sniped/