Soldier killed in Tamayong clash

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 2): Soldier killed in Tamayong clash

ONE of the three soldiers wounded in the Tamayong clash on Monday died at the hospital on Wednesday.Lt. Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, commander of 3rd Infantry Battalion, identified the fatality as Corporal Jurel Gonato, a member of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion.

Gonato was one of the three soldiers who were wounded in the encounter where the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Barangay Tamayong, Calinan District on Monday.

The two other wounded were identified as Corporal Vicencio Galagar and Private Roberto Cardoza. Both are still recuperating in a hospital.

The Tamayong clash started on Sunday when a platoon of 3rd IB troopers conducted security patrol in Sitio Basikong.

The troopers encountered at least 15 rebels, believed to be members of the Guerilla Front 54 under Ka Nasser, at 12:25 p.m. that day. The fight lasted for about five minutes.

The soldiers were able to recover an NPA encampment while conducting clearing operation.

On Monday at 7:35 a.m., troopers of the 3rd IB’s Scout Platoon who were conducting pursuit operation in the same area encountered undetermined numbers of rebels.

It was then that the rebels reportedly detonated the IED.

The exchange of fire lasted for about one hour, resulting to the wounding of three soldiers.

The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the nearest hospital. Gonato expired at the medical facility.

The 3rd IB troopers are currently conducting hot pursuit operation against the rebels.

Lachica condemned the rebel group for violating the International Humanitarian Law for using IED.

http://mindanaotimes.net/soldier-killed-in-tamayong-clash/