Two Unarmed Soldiers Ambushed by NPA Rebels in Sorsogon, 1 Dead
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur - Two unarmed soldiers were
ambushed by NPA rebels in Gubat, Sorsogon late afternoon yesterday, (Aug
22) a military official said.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based
in Juban town, said that Private First Class Jayson Cerdon,23, of Makati
City; and Private First Class Erwin Baraga, 24, of Gubat, Sorsogon were
returning from a weekend leave on board a motorcycle when they were
ambushed by at least 4 terrorist rebels in Sangat village at around
4:45pm.
Enginco slams the communist rebels for their murderous killing spree
which he says are 'clear violations of the human rights provisions'.
"Jayson was hit three times on his leg causing him to lose control of
the motorcycle he was riding. He was pleading for his life but one of
the bandits shot him at close range, hitting his forehead," said Enginco.
Baraga was bleeding profusely from his two wounds and pretended to be
dead as the rebels kicked him and searched his body for his belongings.
He was left as dead by the bandits who were laughing upon confiscating
his wallet and cellphone.
"I laid motionless despite hearing the agony of my friend Jayson. I felt
helpless because I don't have anything to defend myself against the four
attackers who came close to our position," Baraga said.
Captain Edgar Obenieta, Operations Officer of the 49th IB was among the
first ones who arrived in the scene. He found Baraga, bleeding and who
was fainting, while hiding behind the bushes near the ambush site.
"I am deeply saddened by the brutal killing of my soldier who was shot
at point-blank range. I immediately transported them to Sorsogon City to
have Braga treated at the local hospital while an autopsy was conducted
on Cerdon's body," said Obenieta.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division,
has called on the NPA rebels to respect the provisions of the Bill of
Rights which are strictly observed by all Army soldiers.
"My soldiers have not harmed any member of the CPP-NPA-NDF who
peacefully surrendered during clashes. The terrorist group must return
the favor by observing the protection of human rights including that of
my soldiers," said Pabustan. |
