Two Unarmed Soldiers Ambushed by NPA Rebels in Sorsogon, 1 Dead

PFC Cerdon lay dead along the road in Brgy Sangat, Gubat, Sorsogon after being treacherously ambushed by NPA bandits while on their way back to camp on their motorcycle. PFC Cerdon's companion, PFC Baraga, was also wounded but fortunately survived.

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Two unarmed soldiers were ambushed by NPA rebels in Gubat, Sorsogon late afternoon yesterday, (Aug 22) a military official said.

LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Juban town, said that Private First Class Jayson Cerdon,23, of Makati City; and Private First Class Erwin Baraga, 24, of Gubat, Sorsogon were returning from a weekend leave on board a motorcycle when they were ambushed by at least 4 terrorist rebels in Sangat village at around 4:45pm.

Enginco slams the communist rebels for their murderous killing spree which he says are ‘clear violations of the human rights provisions’.

“Jayson was hit three times on his leg causing him to lose control of the motorcycle he was riding. He was pleading for his life but one of the bandits shot him at close range, hitting his forehead,” said Enginco.

Baraga was bleeding profusely from his two wounds and pretended to be dead as the rebels kicked him and searched his body for his belongings. He was left as dead by the bandits who were laughing upon confiscating his wallet and cellphone.

“I laid motionless despite hearing the agony of my friend Jayson. I felt helpless because I don’t have anything to defend myself against the four attackers who came close to our position,” Baraga said.

Captain Edgar Obenieta, Operations Officer of the 49th IB was among the first ones who arrived in the scene. He found Baraga, bleeding and who was fainting, while hiding behind the bushes near the ambush site.

“I am deeply saddened by the brutal killing of my soldier who was shot at point-blank range. I immediately transported them to Sorsogon City to have Baraga treated at the local hospital while an autopsy was conducted on Cerdon’s body,” said Obenieta.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has called on the NPA rebels to respect the provisions of the Bill of Rights which are strictly observed by all Army soldiers.

“My soldiers have not harmed any member of the CPP-NPA-NDF who peacefully surrendered during clashes. The terrorist group must return the favor by observing the protection of human rights including that of my soldiers,” said Pabustan.