Injured soldier recounts attack
Iloilo -- One loud explosion then simultaneous heavy gunfire that seemingly went non-stop for at least five minutes. Then more gunfire again in both directions with the army vehicles and the soldiers in it caught in the middle.
For PFC Nasser Abellar, a quick second was all it took for him to decide to get out of the military truck he was on board with about thirty other soldiers. As he did so, a bullet razed through his leg while seeing his comrades fall on the ground, bloodied and the others, dead.
The explosion was caused by a landmine, improvised by the communist terrorist New People's Army believed to be under the direct command of a certain Ka Mayok of the Waling-Waling Command. Estimated to be at least 40 rebels, all fully armed, they manage to gain grounds against the army soldiers who were in the area of Sitio Sinamadbad, Barangay Mambiranan, Calinog, Iloilo.
Sadly for the government forces, they apparently fell into the trap set by the rebels with 'decoys' of civilian sympathizers who reportedly sought for the army's presence amidst purported sightings of armed men and extortion activities.
In an interview over Bombo Radyo yesterday (Tuesday), PFC Abellar said help was immediately radioed and it took some thirty minutes for the first augmentation to come. Heavy gunfire continued for about an hour yet it was the first thirty minutes that had the rebels seemingly on the offensive. Though injured himself, PFC Abellar and the rest of his buddies stayed to cover those who sustained serious injuries and in some forty minutes into the heavy gunfire exchange, he knew the enemy forces were starting to retreat.
'Total bombardment as they totally withdrew,' was how he placed it in said interview while saying that he believes the rebels would at least be about a group of twenty. And it was well-planned at close range, 'about 20 to 30 meter-distance' given the strategic positioning of the rebels when the first set of heavy gunfire was made.
Yes, they were initially 'overpowered' in the surprise attack but it did not stop them from regaining their position. In fact, he believes they have caused the NPAs major casualties as well.
All in a day's work? For PFC Abellar the wounds will recover and he will definitely go back as expected of a good soldier.
The fallen soldiers were identified as SSgt. Melquiades Montemayor of Tapaz, Capiz, MSgt. Paterno Villorente of Iloilo City, SSgt. Ronel Panes of Passi City, Corp. Rodelo Pacia of South Cotobato, PFC. Nuol Rosbert, PFC Angeles of Davao, PFC Villamor also of Davao, Corp. Marlon Cepalla of Bicol and SSgt. Alexander Luis of Ilocos.
The other injured were PFC Ervin Gerona, PFC Rodrigo Agud, Capt. Ronnie Espiritu, PFC Joel Ryan Belmonte,PFC John William Oñaz, PFC Richard Baslot, PFC Michael Camotajan, PFC Charlito James, PFC Rodel Jaud, PFC Raul Fuentes, PFC Christian Ventizo, SSgt. Gil Galsim, PFC Manny Barcoma, PFC Adonis Vincent Cabalfin, PFC Mario De Pascua, PFC Michael Fernandez, Capt. Dante Lagora and Capt. Joel Octaviano.