Soldier slightly wounded in another armed clash between Army, NPA
Another armed skirmish between Army soldiers and the New People’s Army ensued Sunday morning at the mountainous village of Jona, some 5 kilometers from the town proper of Tubungan, Iloilo.
The clash, third on Panay Island in less than two weeks, had one soldier slightly injured.
Private Reno Lutero sustained graze wound on his foot from a bullet that ricocheted.
He was rushed to Guimbal District Hospital for treatment but was already discharged.
Reports said that members of 82nd Infantry Battalion’s Alpha Company were conducting foot patrol at around 8:30 a.m. when they chanced upon some 10 rebels at the hilly portion of Brgy. Jona.
Residents then overheard an exchange of fire which lasted for several minutes.
After which, the rebels, who are believed to be from the NPA Panay’s Southern Front Committee, retreated to the nearby Brgy. Molina.
According to 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas, the Army troops were conducting patrol to pursue rebels who engaged Army troops during an encounter at Brgy. Igcabugao, Igbaras more than a week ago.
Posadas is also of the belief that someone could have been injured from the NPA side, as evidenced by blood stains in the area where they positioned themselves.
“Our relentless operation is flushing out NPAs from their hideouts. Their movements are now very limited,” he added.
The 3ID public information officer is not also discounting the possibility that there could be similar armed encounter between the soldiers and the rebels, who will be celebrating the NPA’s 41st anniversary on March 29.
