Two soldiers and two civilians were injured when an undetermined number of suspected communist rebels fired upon government troops who were conducting a community outreach program in Barcelona, Sorsogon, the military reported on Monday.
Captain John Paul Belleza, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) based in Pili, Camarines Sur, said the suspects opened fire at the temporary patrol base of Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) in Barangay Santa Lourdes while they were on a mission. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. last Saturday.
The troops were forced to return fire, prompting the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to flee, Belleza said. The firefight lasted for three minutes.
Among the casualties were 18-year-old Giselle Emberga and a 12-year-old girl who were hit by shrapnel after the suspects fired a grenade launcher.
Belleza said the wounded civilians were rushed to the hospital by the CSP team for immediate treatment.
The identities of the wounded soldiers were withheld by the military but Belleza assured they were being treated.
Lieutenant Colonel Eric Culvera, battalion commander of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31 IB), said the “dastard act of terror placed the community in peril and danger” and “disturbed the resident’s tranquility by attacking at wee hours.”
“[I] assure the public that government troops [are] not putting its guard down and will continue to strengthen the security measures in the area to prevent the CTGs [communist-terrorist groups] from hurling the same atrocities,” Culvera said.
Meanwhile, Major General Fernando Trinidad, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, condemned the incident which he said was another proof of the rebels’ “intention to sow fear and hinder the people’s aspiration for lasting peace.”
He reiterated his call for armed insurgents to surrender, lay down their arms, and avail of government support so that they could reintegrate themselves back into the community and join their families.
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