Alleged NPA killed in encounter with military; 2 soldiers die in road mishap

December 11, 2017

A suspected member of the New People's Army died in an encounter and two soldiers perished in a road mishap while troops were evacuating the injured from the scene of the clash Friday in Zamboanga del Sur, a military spokesman said Monday. Capt. Richard Enciso, public affairs officer of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said based on initial report  troops of 53rd Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol when they encountered an undetermined number of  alleged New People’s Army rebels in the vicinity of Mount Ganaan, Brgy Gasa, Lakewood town around 11:10 am. He said the troops were verifying the presence of armed men who allegedly conducting extortion . Enciso said the firefight that lasted for more than two hours  resulted in the death of an alleged NPA member and injury of three soldiers. “The troops also recovered three high powered firearms  (which include) one M16, one M14, M203 grenade launcher, four rifle grenades; two Motorola radios, assorted magazines, medical and dental kits; one NPA flag and personal belongings of the armed group,” he said. Troops of 53rd  Infantry Battalion were transporting their wounded comrades when they figured in an accident in the vicinity of Brgy Lourdes, Pagadian City around 10:15 pm of the same day. Enciso said the military truck fell in a ravine after its brake malfunctioned. Enciso identified the two soldiers who died in the road mishap as Staff Sergeant Celerino Objero and Staff Sergeant Isgerie Papolonias. The wounded were Private George Bajo, Corporal Darryl Banares, Corporal Rodrigo Castillo, Corporal Melvin Colobong, Private First Class Jayson de Guzman, Sergeant Benjakar Kasim, Sergeant Roberto Rojas Francisco, Corporal Crisaldo Tan and CAA Romelson Tasa. Enciso said the wounded troops were brought to the hospital for medical treatment. Brig. General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army’s 1 st Infantry Division, assured families of the dead soldiers they will be given benefits while the wounded will be given necessary medical care. “Our deepest symphaty and condolences to the families of the hero soldiers. Rest assured that the benefits will be given to bereaved families and the wounded soldiers will be taken cared of,” Murillo said. Enciso said during pursuit operation another encounter occurred in the vicinity of Brgy Gasa, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur around 3 pm last Sunday. He said the firefight that lasted for more than an hour has resulted to the recovery of war materials including one M60 GPMG, one damaged hydra M16 assault rifle, one command detonated explosive (CDX), trip wire for CDX, twenty one jungle hammoks, five magazines for AK47 and one cartridge 40mm ammunition. Also recovered were other items like medical kit, assorted medicines, five bag packs, personal belongings (cloths) and two cooking pots. Robina Asido/DMS