1 soldier hurt in Miag-ao encounter

From Panay News (May 17, 2021): 1 soldier hurt in Miag-ao encounter (By Ruby Silubrico)

A soldier was wounded during an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo over the weekend.

A staff sergeant assigned at the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) sustained wounds to the body caused by the shrapnel. An anti-personnel landmine exploded while he and his companions were checking the hideout of the rebels.

The victim was recuperating at a hospital here and now in stable condition.

According to 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) spokesperson, Major Cenon Pancito III, the encounter happened around 9:46 a.m. when personnel of 61IB received reports on the presence of the armed group.

Upon reaching the area, an encounter transpired between the Army and personnel of Suyak (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay under Joven Ceralvo, alias Lex.

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes.

Ceralvo was tagged as the one who sexually molested a 15-year-old female surrenderer.

“We have an augmentation force sent to area for the manhunt operation,” Pancito said.

On the other hand, 61IB commander Colonel Joel Benedict Batara said more troops were deployed in the area to continue scouring for enemy casualties and war material that they may have been left behind.

“With the help of the populace to end the local armed conflict, the communist terrorist group has nowhere to hide. Our troops can track and find them wherever they are. We will not stop denying their presence in the communities much more allow them to sow fear and terror to the peace-loving Panayanons,” Batara stressed.

https://www.panaynews.net/1-soldier-hurt-in-miag-ao-encounter/