8ID troops encounters NPA in Samar, aids wounded rebel

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 16, 2014

CATBALOGAN CITY – Army troops operating in Samar Province encountered NPA members in a remote area of Barangay Bolao, Basey, Samar at noon of November 16, 2014.

Based on the initial report Lt Col Miguel E. Ceballos, Commanding Officer, 20th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, his troops were conducting security operations to check the presence of NPA members in the outskirts of the aforesaid barangay.

While approaching a forested portion in area, the troops chanced upon a makeshift hut in isolation which turned-out to be an enemy post occupied by more or less five heavily armed NPA rebels. Firefight ensued for approximately five minutes as the troops advanced toward the post after which the rebels immediately withdrew. Government troops immediately scoured the area and followed the withdrawal route which eventually led them to a wounded yet still armed NPA combatant who was intentionally left behind by his comrades due to his condition.

Recognizing the immediate need for medical assistance, the troops on the ground provided first aid to the wounded rebel and immediately requested for his immediate evacuation for further medical treatment. In response, 8th Infantry Division immediately dispatched two helicopters to airlift the wounded rebel from the encounter site to the Camp Lukban Station Hospital for his immediate medical treatment. The wounded NPA remain unidentified and being provided intensive medical assistance as of this time.

The encounter resulted to the recovery of one M16 armalite rifle, ammunitions and personal belongings. There was no casualty on the side of the government troops while one was determined on the enemy side.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the officers and men of 20IB for the successful result of the encounter against the NPAs operating in Basey, Samar. The 8ID chief further extended his appreciation to the troops for abiding to the rules of engagement particularly in situation warranting attendance to wounded enemy combatants. “…the actions of our troops on the ground bespeaks of our troops’ respect to the Rule of Law, Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law. It was only unfortunate that the rebels have to fire at the government troops which led to the wounding of one of them and worst, was left behind by his comrades.

These local NPA combatants are just victims themselves of communist leaders who take advantage of them just to pursue their personal motives. And in combat, even a wounded enemy deserves immediate medical care which was manifested by our troops despite of the volatile situation, when they provided immediate medical attention to the wounded combatant”, Velarmino added, however the wounded rebel have to face the law for the possession of war materiel.