Rebel leader killed in clash with troops

Sun Star-Davao (Mar 9): Rebel leader killed in clash with troops

A LEADER of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the government troops at Sitio Tagmailan in Barangay New Sibunga, Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley on Friday.

The Army's 10th Infantry Division's spokesperson Captain Ernest Carolina, in his text message, identified the rebel as Eleazar Romero, alias Ka Dads, resident of Compostela Valley.

It was revealed that Romero was a member of the NPA for about eight years. He was a platoon leader of the NPA's Sandatahang Unit Pampropaganda.

Carolina said Romero died inside the military's ambulance while heading to Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City.

He added that the rebel succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, following the NPA's encounter with the 60th Infantry Battalion around 1 p.m.

"The troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion were searching the encounter site at 6 p.m. when they found Romero. The troops were unable to call for a helicopter for evacuation of Romero and two wounded army due to their conditions kaya nag ambulance," Carolina said.

"According to one 60IB trooper, the medics applied all its first aid technique and had to carry Romero for three hours until they could reach the nearest road where he could be evacuated by ambulance together with our two wounded troops," he added.

Carolina said the cadaver of Romero was brought to Angel Funeral Parlor on F. Torres Street in Davao City. The Davao City Police Office was already informed on the matter, he added.

Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, on the other hand, commended the soldiers for their effort, however futile, to save the NPA platoon leader.

"Our soldiers tried to save this man because they recognize that he is already helpless. They took it upon themselves to extend whatever help they can to the wounded NPA leader, while his companions have already abandoned him," Bernardo said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/09/rebel-leader-killed-clash-troops-332274