Sunday, May 30, 2010

NPA Rebels Ambush a Squad of Army Soldiers, 5 Missing in Action

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, CamSur – Soldiers who were dispatched to conduct pursuit operations against the perpetrators of the shooting incident in Bicalen village, Presentacion, Camarines Sur were ambushed by more or less 20 heavily armed rebels at around 3:00am today, a military officer said.

Major Harold Cabunoc, Division Spokesman said that the 12-man squad of soldiers led by First Lieutenant Miguel Logronio Jr, were on combat patrol in a remote village in Presentacion town when they were ambushed by NPA terrorists who were positioned in a forested area.

“Five soldiers are still missing in action (MIA) up to this time. They are identified as First Lieutenant Miguel Logronio Jr, Corporal Arturo Hernandez, Private First Class Jerry Magdasoc, Private First Class Calos Codires and Private First Class Bernard Vergara,” said Cabunoc.

Private First Class Joselito Marzan, a member of the engaged troops said that they started their patrol at around 8pm after the killing of one of their comrade in Bicalen village.

“We were negotiating a steep terrain in San Franciso village when the firing begun. I heard automatic fires and hand grenades were lobbed from almost all directions so we were forced to withdraw after being dispersed in the heat of the firefight,” said Marzan.

“Seven members of our patrol were able to reorganize in Bicalen village. Two of our comrades, Private First Class Jerry Magdasoc and Private First Class Carlos Codires, both sustained gunshot wounds on their leg”, added Marzan.

Civilian residents in the area claimed to have seen four dead soldiers in a forested area in San Francisco village but the identities are not yet identified as of press time.

Another company of soldiers have been dispatched to locate the missing military personnel. The thick vegetation in the area has delayed their advance towards the ambush site where the dead soldiers are said to have been spotted.

MGen Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed a massive manhunt operations employing the elite Scout Rangers to locate the missing soldiers.

Two UH1H Huey helicopters has started inserting troops around the Caramoan peninsula to expedite the manhunt operations.

“We will intensify our military operations to ensure that these road projects will be protected. I want this completed as planned, since this is one of the solutions to the social problems of the people in Partido area,” said Pabustan
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