By Francis T. Wakefield
Six government soldiers were wounded following an encounter with suspected Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNTs) in Echague, Isabela on Monday.
Army Captain Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division Spokesman, said the encounter happened at Brgy. Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela at about 5 a.m..
It was learned that troops from the 86th Infantry Battalion were conducting security patrol operations when it encountered more or less 20 communist NPA terrorists.
Somera said the firefight lasted for more or less 20 minutes afterwhich the enemy withdrew towards the Northeast direction of Brgy. Mabbayad.
As a result, six government soldiers were wounded in the firefight while reports are still being verified if the enemy incurred any casualty. Somera said the wounded were brought to Isabela Doctors Hospital and Dr. Ester Garcia General Hospital in Cauyan City, Isabela for treatment.
As of this time, those who were wounded are in stable condition (and recuperating from their wounds),” he said.
