3 Ilonggo soldiers die in NPA attack
Three Ilonggo soldiers under the 11th Infantry Battalion (11th IB) stationed in Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental were brutally killed by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels while on their way to withdraw their salary at the town proper last Saturday, May 23.
The Philippine Army in a news release issued yesterday identified the fatalities as Pfc Joey Bahon, 30 years old from Janiuay, Iloilo; Pfc Rino Gonzaga, 27 years old from Dapitan, Pototan, Iloilo; and Pfc Leovigildo Dela Torre, 26 years old of Cabudan, Dueñas, Iloilo.
The three along with Pfc Joeffre Galagate reportedly were proceeding to Guihulngan proper around 7:30 a.m. to withdraw their salary at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of Land Bank of the Philippines when attacked by around ten NPAs. The victims were on board two motorcycles, unarmed and on civilian attire.
“Since the soldiers were unarmed, the NPAs armed with M16 armalite rifles were able to shot their targets at very close range,” the news release said.
Galagate managed to escape and reported the incident to their headquarters while his three companions suffered multiple gunshot wounds in their body and at least two gunshot wounds in their head.
The Army news release added “the dead bodies were lying on the road full of blood and one of them was stripped of his t-shirt.”
“The NPAs also took away soldier's wallets,” it added.
Lt. Nemesio Gacal, batalion commander of the 11th IB, condemned the brutal killing of the unarmed soldiers by the NPAs.
“This was a violation of the rules of engagement under the Comprehensive Agreement for Respect of Human Rights and International humanitarian law or CARHRIHL, which was signed between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front,” Gacal said.
The news release added the police are now preparing to file multiple murder charge against the suspects, some of whom have already been identified.
Guihulngan police chief Inspector Petronelli Gracia, however, declined to reveal their names pending further investigation.
Gacal said those who died are the first casualties of the 11th IB since he took over as battalion commander.
He said the army will be providing the three soldiers full military honors and assistance will be provided to their families.