NPAs shoot troopers at school; 1 dies, 1 hurt

By Freddie G. Lazaro and Mar T. Supnad

CAMP QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur – A soldier was killed and another wounded seriously in an encounter with New People’s Army rebels who attacked while they were conducting socio-civic activities with residents at the Patiacan Elementary School in Quirino town, this province last Oct. 15.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, the commander of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB), said the shooting happened at 2:45 p.m. and killed of Private 1st Class (PFC) Peter John Ramos Villanueva of Macabebe, Pampanga and wounded PFC Ismael Michael Mama, 26, of Butulan, Zambales.

Both troopers were taken to the Primary Health Care Facility, Poblacion, Quirino Ilocos Sur but Villanueva was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Dr. Ringo George

B Querer. Mama, on the other hand, was transferred to the Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center, Parian, San Fernando City, La Union for further treatment.

Osias condemned the rebel attack, saying the troopers from the 81IB were conducting “bayanihan” activities together with civilian populace when fired upon by two guerrillas believed belonging to the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Guerilya Montes.

“Upon realizing the community was being attacked, our troops were immediately secured the teachers and students who were with them beautifying and fixing the school premises,” he added.

He disclosed that the Community Support Program Team of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion was deployed in Barangay Patiacan, Quirino, Ilocos Sur to conduct bayanihan activities and provide basic needs through the support of the LGU that will aid the residents in the socio-economic aspects of the said community.

The firefight came six days after an improvised explosive device (IED) was hurled at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Patungcaleo, Quirino.

The IED landed on the building’s second floor and did not explode, but caused fear among civilians in the area.