NPAs attack camp, 3 soldiers hurt

By MydsSupnad and Freddie G. Lazaro

STA. CRUZ, Ilocos Sur — Three soldiers were wounded after their detachment camp was attacked by New People’s Army rebels here in Barangay Bugbuga Monday night.

Police identified the wounded as Privates Samuel Garote 26, of San Pedro, President Quirino Sultan Kudarat; JacenthBaluyan 23,  of Barangay Junction, PinucpocKalinga and Rey Bajar 26, of Poblacion, Dolores Abra who all suffered multiple wounds.

All were members of the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion based in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

They have received medical treatment and are now recuperating at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Their camp was attacked around 8:30 p.m. by a band of rebels, now the subject of military hot pursuit operations.

The firefight lasted around 10 minutes.

Police reports said 20 fully armed NPA rebels  of Platoon Southern Ilocos Sur under unidentified leader suddenly attacked with heavy gunfire  the troops. 

The sudden attack caught the soldiers by surprise, seriously wounding three army personnel.

The soldiers however reportedly stood ground and exchanged fire that also resulted to killing or wounding the attackers.

The rebels later backed out and escaped towards a forested area in the town.
 Few years ago, rebels attacked the PNP station here and burned down after killing two policemen.