4 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA

By Connie Calipay

Four soldiers were wounded in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a village in Legazpi City on April 19, the military reported.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said the firefight occurred at around 1:00 PM in Barangay Bariis.

Belleza said troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) encountered more or less 10 NPA rebels.

“Four soldiers were wounded with shrapnel from an exploded anti-personnel mine. They are currently in stable condition. One was already discharged from the hospital,” Belleza said.

He said the communist guerillas fled toward the eastern direction of Barangay Cagbacong after a few minutes of exchanging fire.

Meanwhile, on April 20, another 10-minute clash occurred as troops pursued the rebels in Barangay Mariawa, Legazpi City.

“No casualties among the government troops while (it was) undetermined on the enemy side,” Belleza said. (PNA)