ILIGAN CITY: Combined Army troopers of 97th and 53rd Infantry Battalions saved an abandoned wounded New People’s Army (NPA) fighter in Barangay Guibo, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, on Wednesday, the Army said.

Military identified the NPA by his alyas, Lando, who was wounded during the recent encounter between the 97IB and the NPA in Barangay Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte last Monday, May 4, 2020.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commanding officer of 97IB confirmed and identified the rescued NPA as a member of Team Abe, Squad 2, Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) 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,” said Boransing.

Lt. Col Jo-ar Herrera, commanding officer of 53IB who has joint forces with 97IB said that, “The unit responded to information from the locals that a wounded NPA was trying to seek medical help and refuge in one of the sitios of the said barangay.”

Col Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade said that, “alias Lando will be medically attended and treated by our military doctors.” as of posting, tthe rescued NPA is undergoing medical treatment at Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital in the Headquarters of First “Tabak” Infantry Division (1ID).

For his part, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, Major General Generoso “Gene” Ponio commended the troops for giving premium in protecting lives, even the life of their own enemy.

“Aside from the soldiers’ tactical skills, respect to human rights and observance to International Humanitarian Law are also instilled to every soldier,” Ponio said.

“These individuals were also victims of deceit and lies from the propagandas of the NPA. If we can save as much individuals through the different government programs such as Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (E-CLIP) or even immediately after encounter just like what happened today, we will do so,” he added. 

Masiding Noor Yahya