Soldier wounded in Sorsogon encounter

Camp Guillermo, Nakar – One soldier was wounded after a firefight between members of the Philippine Army and a group of communist terrorists at the vicinity of Barangay Nazareno, Gubat, Sorsogon yesterday.

Lt. General Delfin Bangit, Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, said that on or about 6:15 a.m. 12 men led by the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion while conducting combat operation, encountered a Group of communist guerrillas at the aforesaid place.

Banguit said that a 45-minute firefight resulted to the recovery of the following items: one-mobile radio, several medicines and supplies, four-claymore mines, five civilian backpacks containing voluminous communist documents and personal belongings.

The clash also resulted to the wounding of one soldier caused by the shrapnel of a 40 mm. grenade launcher (M203) and undetermined causalities on the enemy side.

The SOLCOM chief said this is the result of the Army’s relentless and intensified operation in Bicol. He said the communist guerrillas continue to violate the international law by using landmines. – Michelle Zoleta