NPA rebels attack soldiers, civilians carrying relief goods; 1 dead, 2 wounded

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 20): NPA rebels attack soldiers, civilians carrying relief goods; 1 dead, 2 wounded

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City — Local officials and army soldiers decried the attack on civilians and government forces who were carrying relief operations in Aurora but were allegedly ambushed by suspected NPA rebels, killing one soldier and wounding two others.

“The excitement of the local children at Singawan Elementary School in receiving their gifts turned trauma from a terrifying NPA ambush,” said the Army in a statement sent to newsmen.

On August 19, 2016 at about 10 o’clock in the morning, the army claimed that while the Charlie Company, 56th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army and the Local Government Unit of Dingalan, Aurora were on their way to deliver the relief goods to the children of Sitio Singawan Elementary School, Barangay Umiray, Dingalan town, Aurora aboard two motorboats, an undetermined number of NPA rebels suddenly attacked and fired on the said motorboats.

At this juncture, the civilians got panicked causing the boat to capsize. The security troops led by 2nd Lt. Ghelyn Batomalaque, valiantly defended and secured their group and traded shots with the rebels.

However, one soldier was killed and two others were wounded from the government side.

Casualties within the NPA ranks remain to be determined.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-rebels-attack-soldiers-civilians-carrying-relief-goods-1-dead-2-wounded/