Injured	Killed
11	5

Date: 02 February 2010
Source: http://balita.ph/2010/02/02/5-killed-11-hurt-in-two-army-npa-clashes/

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela, Feb. 3 — Fifteen Army soldiers were wounded in two separate gun battles in Barangay Lap-ey, Malibcong town and in Kili, Tubo town, both in Abra last Sunday, the military said on Monday.

 

Lt. Col. Loreto Magundayao Jr., 5th Infantry Division civil-military operations battalion commander and concurrent division spokesman, said the fatalities were Pfcs. Robert Lobhoy, Saldivar Anno, Honey Mateo, Angelo Calderon and Santiago Decena.

The eight wounded in the Malibcong town gun battle were Pfcs. Ronel Villanueva, Manny Marcos, Neceson Gemino, Alfredo Ganongan, Abraham Bobis, Billy Ray Noblado, Conrado Torres, and Private Brainard Dumondon.

Three wounded in Tubo town clash were Pfcs. Jason Pantaleon, Jayson Grutas and another soldier.

Magundayao said the 41st Infantry Battalion soldiers led by a certain Lt. Hojas were having community activities in Lap-ey village, Malibcong town in Abra when they met more than 20 fully-armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a camp.

The soldiers were building barangay projects, bringing social services and helping in education of the people regarding livelihood projects and literacy advancement, among others, Magundayao added.

A firefight had ensued as soldiers took over the rebel camp. However, five of the soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded. The rebels later withdrew, dragging with them their killed and wounded comrades, he added.

In nearby town, the 50th Infantry Battalion members led by Lt. Elvin Gonzaga were ambushed by an undetermined number of fully-armed NPA rebels and eventually resulted in a 15-minute firefight in Kili, Tubo, Abra. Three Army soldiers were wounded.

Magundayao said they would not budge in their fight against the NPA rebels despite the debacles.

Five Army soldiers were also killed in the NPA-Army fight last week in Bontoc, Mountain Province. (PNA)

DCT/FFC/BV/mba