54th Infantry peace team stops NPA attack, I hurt

By Ruel Tabliago

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- The peace and development team of the  54^th Infantry Batallion deployed here at Barangay Camandag warded off an attack of a plotton of around 10 New Peoples Army guerillas around 11 a.m. evening of March 21. 

Commanding officer Cpt  Edward Ricablanca of Alpha (Avenger) Company said  troops who were conducting peace development team operations were resting when attacked by the NPA but the duty sentinel sensed the attackers and prevented them them from maneuvering towards them with gunfire..

Sentinel PFC Benny Faycho from Can-eo, Bontoc  sustained injuries while the NPA elements withdrew after a minute of firefight.  

Faycho is currently  at  Bayombong Veterans Regional Hospital  at Nueva Ecija for treatment. 

Lt. Col  Eddie Pilapil, commanding officer of 54^th Infantry Batallion condemned the attack saying saying this signified the NPA are anti- peace since they deny the people of Camandag the peace they long desire.”