Army trooper wounded; NPA firearm, ammo seized in Iloilo encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): Army trooper wounded; NPA firearm, ammo seized in Iloilo encounter

A trooper assigned at the 3rd Infantry Division's 82nd Infantry Battalion was wounded while a M-14 automatic rifle and assorted munitions belonging to New People's Army (NPA) forces during an encounter in Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao town, Iloilo Thursday afternoon.

Aside from two 40mm M-203 grenade launcher rounds, government troopers also recovered three backpacks containing subversive materials.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter took place around 4:05 p.m. He identified the wounded trooper as Pfc. Cris Garbo. The latter sustained a gunshot wound at the shoulder during the firefight.

The soldiers were on routine security patrols when the incident took place.

He added that the rebels quickly retreated after sustaining an undetermined number of casualties. NPA wounded was confirmed when pursuing soldiers saw several blood trails.

3rd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad commended his men for their vigilance in protecting and securing the civilians from the lawless armed elements.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=582277