HEROISM // Soldier, CAFGU die securing bridge in Camarines Norte

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 1): HEROISM // Soldier, CAFGU die securing bridge in Camarines Norte

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City (DWDD) - A soldier and a member of the CAFGU Active Auxilliary (CAA) were killed while one soldier was slightly wounded when a still underermined number of NPAs attacked a government bridge project in Brgy Daguit, Labo, Camarines Norte at 11 p.m. last night (October 31).

A squad composed of soldiers from the 49th Infantry Battalion augmented with CAFGU Active Auxilliaries (CAA) from the 22nd Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) were securing Namukanan Bridge Project being constructed by EUS Construction when the rebels launched their attack.

The squad fought courageously defending and securing the project for more than an hour of sporadic firefight afterwhich the rebels withdrew. Aside from the casualties, the squad lost three HPFAs (2 M14, 1 M16) while recovering an M16 rifle from the rebels.

“We foiled the NPAs plan of destroying the project and the construction equipment; we secured the bridge  project that will benefit the people; but we lost two brave men while serving their country,” said Southern Luzon Command Chief Liuetenant General Ricardo R. Visaya.

The attacked happened after the contractor did not comply to the extortion demands of the NPAs.

The fatalities were identified as Private Reymark Camila Regore (49IB) and CAA Anthony M Aceron (22IB CAFGU). As of 8  a.m. their bodies are still at the encounter site for SOCO investigation.

The wounded soldier was identified as Private First Class Jhelor P Caranzo. First aid was admistered to his minor wound.

49IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Medel Aguilar said that the highway was temporarily closed because of the road blocks and IEDs that the NPAs planted but by 6 a.m. today, troops were able to clear the highway and diffuse some of the unexploded IEDs.

SOLCOM denouces the attack of the NPAs on government construction of road, bridge and other flagship projects. These attacks deny communities in far flung areas to market their produce and access to development. SOLCOM PAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/heroism-soldier-cafgu-die-securing-bridge-in-camarines-norte/