CAMP OLA, Albay – Three soldiers were killed while their comrade was wounded in an ambush staged by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Legazpi City, Albay, Sunday morning.
Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson Major Malu Calubaquib identified the fatalities as Corporal Joemar Mancilla, Pfc. Ronald Luna, and Pfc. Reymar Badong.
One Sgt. Ferdinand Fernandez survived the attack but he also sustained gunshot wounds.
The soldiers, who were in civilian clothes, were on board motorcycles when they were ambushed at Puro 2 Extension in Barangay Banquerohan, Legazpi City, at around 8:30 a.m., according to military report.
Calubaquib said the victims were heading back to their camp from Legazpi City Police Station when they were shot.
Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said that prior to the incident, the soldiers coordinated with the police for the entry of heavy equipment of Sunwest Corporation that will conduct a road opening in Barangay Villahermosa in Daraga town and Barangay Bariis in Legazpi City.
Investigation and pursuit operation were still ongoing as of Sunday noon. (Nino Luces)
