In Northern Samar again: Rebels ambush Army troops bringing TESDA equipment

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Still reeling from last Friday’s ambush of the military-escorted convoy of the NDRRMC in Pinabacdao, Samar, another ambush was carried out at about 5 a.m. yesterday by members of the New People’s Army in Las Navas town of typhoon Nona-ravaged Northern Samar.

This time one soldier was killed and three wounded, when about 15 rebels fired at the government troops who were only transporting equipment of TESDA, and conducting relief and assessment works in that town.

Initial information obtained by The Freeman showed that the five soldiers—belonging to the Charlie Company of the 20th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig town and led by Corporal Roman Clago—were on a military KM450 truck on their way to Las Navas but were met with rapid fire from the rebels upon reaching Barangays Bugay and Bukid of the town.

Captain Isagani Viernes, chief of the 8th Infantry Division’s DPAU, said that although the soldiers were outnumbered, they were able to retaliate against the rebels, while defending their position.

“Sa unang bugso pa lang kasi ng gunfire, fatal na at wounded na ang mga sundalo natin, and they were not there for combat missions but simply to help our civilian agencies do humanitarian works for the people who were affected by typhoon Nona,” Viernes said.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for about 15 minutes, and the rebels later withdrew toward Barangay Roxas, also in Las Navas.

Based on a police report obtained by The Freeman, authorities identified the slain soldier as Private First Class Daryll Baldo, while the wounded soldiers were Corporals Roman Clago, the team leader, and Michael Porten.

As this developed, 8th ID commander, Major General Jet Velarmino immediately called for a command conference to tackle the issue of rebels trying to hamper the humanitarian efforts in Nona-affected communities in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces.

There was no official statement yet from the meeting, but Velarmino condemned the ambush, saying that the rebels have continued to stop humanitarian works to help the people of Northern Samar even before the latter could recover.

Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, OIC director of the Police Regional Office-8, also expressed dismay over the rebels’ ambush on the soldiers.

“Seems the NPA had evolved from an ideological revolutionary group to banditry, and this continued terrorism by conducting ambuscades against those who were merely conducting humanitarian missions are signs of desperation, and admission, that they are no longer enjoying the support of the people. They wanted to sow fear among the populace to control these communities,” Train said.

The police is still in full control of the security situation in the typhoon-devastated areas in Samar Island, he added. (FREEMAN)