PILAR, Bataan – A soldier was killed in action (KIA) during a firefight with a suspected rebel group in Barangay Liyang here on July 13.
According to Capt. Edson Abello, the firefight lasted about 20 minutes which resulted to the death of PFC Arnel E. Padilla who was hit while reportedly trying to evacuate two civilians to a safe area. The two civilians, identified as Edwin Vargas and Joly Corral, were caught in the crossfire during the encounter.
Abello said a section of the 73rd Division Recon Company under 2Lt. Rosales of the Philippine Army engaged in a firefight about 15 New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas at around 11 a.m. in the said barangay after they were fired upon by the rebel group. Padilla was hit by enemy fire while he was trying to evacuate the two civilians to a safe area.
Abello said the NPAs were firing on civilian houses to prevent the Army troops from going near their location.
Unmindful of his safety and comfort, Padilla managed to transfer the two civilians to a safe place, he said.
But the rebels took advantage of the situation and shot him from a distance. Abello said Padilla was not able to return fire because he was attending to the civilians.
Meanwhile, Abello said Padilla’s unit is now preparing his remains to be brought to his loved ones in Aurora Province in preparation for a hero’s burial. Padilla was married to a teacher with a three-month old baby.
He came from a farming family but was orphaned early in life. He sent his brothers to school and was a CAFGU member before becoming a soldier.
Commanding Officer of the 24th IB, Lt. Col. Gilmar N. Galicia, said: “We cannot deny the fact that we grieve for the loss of one dedicated soldier in this unfortunate event but as part and parcel of our service to the nation, we have to accept it whole heartedly and continue in accomplishing our mission – that is winning our most coveted lasting peace.”
