Military rescues rebel abandoned by comrades in Zamboanga del Norte

May 8, 2020

The military rescued a wounded rebel abandoned by his comrades in Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday, a military official said on Friday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman, said  the alleged New People's Army member was rescued by operating troops in Barangay Guibo, Siayan on Wednesday afternoon.

Encinas said the rebel who was identified as alias Lando was wounded during the recent encounter between the 97th Infantry Battalion and the NPA in Barangay Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte last May 4.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commanding officer, 97th IB said the rescued militant as  member of Team Abe, Squad 2, Main Regional Guerrilla Unit of Western Regional Party Committee.

"He was also the gunner of the M60 General Purpose Machine Gun that was recovered by our troops during the last encounter," Boransing said.

Encinas said the rescued rebel is recuperating at Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital at 1st ID headquarters in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander, Western Mindanao Command said the military follow rules of engagement at all times. Robina Asido/DMS