PAGADIAN
CITY – Cpl. Anthony Bahala was on his
way back to base in Guipos from Brgy Dalapan of the same town when ambushed by more
or less 10 suspected armed rebels of the Western Mindanao Regional Party
Committee (WMRPC).
53rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Victor D. Tanggawohn Jr., said that Cpl Bahala was sent to the said village to check the presence of extortion unit of the NPA. “Cpl Bahala was able to return fire against his assailants. Traces of blood were seen by the first responders at a vegetated area where the assailants positioned. A joint Army-PNP pursuit operation against the gunmen is on-going.” Lt. Col. Tanggawohn said
Way laid personnel
of the 53rd Infantry Battalion late Tuesday afternoon while the
trooper was on board a single motorcycle at the barangay boundary of Bugwak and
Dalapan both of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.
53rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Victor D. Tanggawohn Jr., said that Cpl Bahala was sent to the said village to check the presence of extortion unit of the NPA. “Cpl Bahala was able to return fire against his assailants. Traces of blood were seen by the first responders at a vegetated area where the assailants positioned. A joint Army-PNP pursuit operation against the gunmen is on-going.” Lt. Col. Tanggawohn said
1st
Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army Commander Maj. General Ricardo
Rainier G. Cruz III extended his sympathy to the bereaved family and friends of
Cpl Bahala. He further directed all units to remain vigilant in carrying-out
peace and development works initiatives in the region. (BY JONG CADION with reports from DPAO)