7 soldiers killed in clash with communist rebels in Isabela

From the Sun Star (Nov 17): 7 soldiers killed in clash with communist rebels in Isabela

Seven government soldiers, including an officer, were killed while eight others were injured in a firefight with New People's Army rebels in San Guillermo town in Isabela province at dawn Saturday. Acting Army spokesman Colonel Cirilito Sobejana said five of the encountered rebels also died while eight others were injured based on intelligence information. He said the slain and wounded rebels were retrieved by their fleeing comrades. Sobejana said forces from the Army's 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company were on a routine counter-insurgency operation when they clashed with around 30 rebels at the vicinity of Mabayad village around 5 a.m. "It's a routine counter-insurgency operation. It's a routine security operation," said Sobejana when asked what triggered the fighting. Sobejana said one of the soldiers who perished in the clash was a lieutenant while the six others are enlisted men. The injured were given prompt treatment Sobejana said five of insurgents were also slain in the fighting, in addition to eight others injured but "their bodies were carried by their comrades on their withdrawal...It was just reported to us." He said the military sent reinforcements to the area but they gave priority to the evacuation of the slain and wounded soldiers.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/17/7-soldiers-killed-clash-communist-rebels-isabela-253740