Security force survives encounter enroute from poll duty

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 22): Security force survives encounter enroute from poll duty

PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- A platoon of Army encountered an undetermined number of New People's Army rebels on May 15 at Sitio Sidog, Limos in Pinukpuk. Three soldiers were reportedly injured.

LtCol. Alvin Flores, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, said the wounded were identified as Sgt. Eduardo Cabiliza, Cpl. Roldan Viray, and Pfc. Jeffrey Langcay.

They were immediately evacuated by the 501st brigade field ambulance from the encounter site to 501st brigade headquarters here then flown to the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Station Hospital in Upi, Gamu, Isabela for treatment.

A reinforcement force from the 501st brigade was immediately dispatched to pursue the enemies, said Flores said.

“We, in the AFP are here to address those insurgent who threaten the peace and security with violence and ready to serve and die if necessary, so that others may live. So we your soldiers urge our fellow peace loving Filipino people to help us your soldiers to find, report and convince these Lawless elements to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of law, live normal lives and stop inhuman killing of fellow Filipinos,” the brigade statement said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171369201778