TWO soldiers were killed and four others were injured in a firefight with New People’s Army rebels in Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental on Wednesday.
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, based in Capiz, said soldiers saw four of the rebels being dragged by their comrades during their retreat.
Troops from the Army’s 62nd and 79th infantry battalions were sent to Sitio Tiyos in Barangay Quintin Remo on Wednesday after receiving reports about the plan of the rebels to launch attacks and extortion.
This led to a one-hour firefight, which broke out around 3:40 p.m., with about 25 rebels.
“The enemy suffered major losses as they were seen by engaged soldiers dragging away their at least four comrades. Heavy bloodstains were seen on their withdrawal route as pursuing units continued to hunt the terrorist group in the southwest direction,” said 3rd ID public affairs officer Capt. Kim Apitong.
Two troopers died while four others were injured but are now in stable condition. Black Hawk helicopters of the Air Force airlifted the soldiers to the AFP Visayas Command in Cebu City.
Troops recovered at the encounter site three backpacks, two cellphones, assorted ammunition, four large cooking pots, various enemy belongings, and supplies left behind by the rebels.
Pursuing soldiers clashed with seven of the fleeing rebels near the area later Wednesday afternoon, though no one was reported killed or hurt on both sides.
