2 Army troopers slain in ambushed

By Celso Amo LEGAZPI CITY --- Two unarmed Army soldiers were killed Tuesday afternoon during an ambush staged by New People’s Army rebels in Camalig, Albay. Pfcs. Cris Aron Consolacion and Emmanuel Clarinal, both members of 2nd Infantry Batallion, were on board a motorcycle when ambushed by about five communist terrorists in Barangay Panoypoy in Camalig, Albay at about 4:45 p.m. of Augu. 21, according to Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol PNP spokesperson, based on Camalig police report. “They were unarmed and were going to take part in a basketball game with villagers when they were shot,” Capt. Joas Pramis, Army 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur, said. Pramis said the two soldiers belong to the 2nd Infantry Batallion based in Masbate to conduct a Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Panoypoy after communists rebels were sighted and wanted to exploit the old grievances of the people against the government. “This is a desperate act of the communist terrorists and a clear violation of the rules of engagement,” said Pramis. He said the incident should warn the villagers on the true intentions of communist terrorists who visit their barangays and want them to join the NPA. “We are conducting our own investigation while our troops are also conducting hot pursuit combat operation against the rebels,” Pramis added. Camalig police is also conducting a parallel probe. Army intelligence said there are less than 200 NPA regulars presently operating in Bicol.