FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in an attack by suspected New People’s Army guerillas in Barangay Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora Tuesday, the military reported Wednesday.
The soldiers belonging to the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) were securing the vicinity as personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were distributing Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash assistance when the attack happened, according to the 7th Infantry Division Public Information Office.
“While enroute to said area, they were immediately fired upon by the NPA bandits, inflicting fatal wounds on two troopers (one died instantly, while the other died in the hospital), and slightly wounding three other troops,” the Army reported.
“Under heavy fire, the troops defended their location for about an hour and forced the NPA terrorists to escape to different directions,” it added.
Mayor Amado Geneta condoled with the families of the fallen troops, and also commiserated for the wounded ones as he himself requested for the presence of military men for the activity.
Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, acting commanding officer of 91IB, branded the incident as unfortunate.
“It is unfortunate that this thing happened in our desire to help the needy folks in Barangay Diaat, to receive their much–needed cash assistance. Imbes na tumulong sa mga tao ngayong panahon ng krisis ang mga teroristang NPA na ito, mas nais pa nilang gumawa ng gulo at makikihati pa sa mga tatanggaping tulong ng ating mga kababayang naghihirap” Rubio said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr., 7ID commander, offered his condolences to the bereaved families for the untimely demise of their loved ones.
“I am very proud of my soldiers, they are among our modern heroes and as our heroes of old, they offered their lives for the sake of all of us and the country. For their acts, they will be forever remembered, and will not be forgotten. Hindi namin palalampasin itong ginawa ng mga NPA. Sooner or later, we will catch these bandits, and for sure they will pay for the crimes they have committed,” Rosario said.
