Student hurt as NPA avenges killing of 8 rebels in Sorsogon

MANILA, Philippines - A student was wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas fired at a police car escorting a fun run activity in Gubat, Sorsogon yesterday, in an apparent move to avenge the killing of eight rebels in an encounter with government security forces last week, the military said.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said the 17-year-old female student was hit in both feet after rebels harassed policemen securing an activity of the Bicol University in Barangay Buenavista.

No one among the policemen was hurt in the incident.

The wounded student was rushed to the Sorsogon Doctors’ Hospital for treatment.

Security forces launched a pursuit operations against the attackers.

“The harassment in Barangay Buenavista was seen as retaliation to a recent setback incurred by the NPA,” Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said referring to the killing of eight insurgents in the province last Thursday.

The AFP condemns this recent attack by the NPA against innocent civilians. This is a heinous crime, and violates human rights, and the International Humanitarian Law,” he added.

The eight NPA members were killed in an encounter with Army troops in Barangay Upper Calmayon in Juban town.– With Celso Amo