11 soldiers of 43rd IB back on combat duty

CEBU - After being wounded from combat operations against Muslim rebels in Lanao del Norte, 11 soldiers from the 43rd Infantry Battalion sent by the Central Command to help resolve the conflict in Mindanao have gone back to combat duty after seven days in the hospital.

The 11 were part of 15 soldiers brought to the Victoriano Luna General Hospital-Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Manila for injuries. Four are still confined at the said hospital for splinter wounds in both arms.

Lieutenant Col. Juvymax Uy, 43rd IB commander, said most of the wounded soldiers were from Samar and Leyte.

Uy said a week after his soldiers sustained wounds, 11 voluntarily went back to combat duty even if they were not required to.

The 43rd IB, made up of about 500 soldiers, was sent to Mindanao from its base in Bohol following the 46th IB, the first battalion sent by Centcom for combat operations.

In three battles last August 28, Uy said they killed seven Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels and have confiscated four firearms.

Uy said the unit is doing well.

In fact, Uy said they are happy they were sent to Lanao because they now have new equipment and new weapons. 

He also said there is no food and water shortage because their headquarters never fails to supply them with their basic needs.

The battalion is now under the Western Mindanao Command after it left Central Visayas.

Centcom chief Lt. Gen. Pedro Ike Insierto said the battalion cannot go back yet because their mission to arrest MILF troops led by Abdullah Macapaar alias “Commander Bravo” in Lanao del Norte and Ameril Umbra Kato in North Cotabato has not been completed.— Jessica Ann Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)