AN Army soldier died while a government militiaman was injured in an ambush staged by New People’s Army rebels in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte on Sunday.
The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) identified the soldier as Staff Sergeant Darryl Jay Rivera, the assistant commander of the Lusong Patrol Base in Barangay Puting Bato in the city.
John Odon, a member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary who is detailed with the same patrol base or detachment, was injured.
4th ID spokesman Maj. Francisco Garello Jr. said the two troopers were on the way to their base when they were waylaid by an undetermined number of rebels in Barangay Puting Bato at around 6:40 a.m.
“The said personnel have just finished its coordination for livelihood projects with LGU (local government unit) Cabadbaran City intended for the residents of Barangay Puting Bato,” said Garello. “They were on their way back to their patrol base when the unfortunate incident happened.”
Garello said Rivera recently received a meritorious promotion for fighting communist rebels during an encounter in Zapanta Valley in Kicharao town, also in Agusan del Norte.
“We offer our sincerest sympathies to the bereaved family of late Staff Sergeant Rivera.
Rest assured that his sacrifice will not be put in vain and we will not stop until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Garello.
Garello also denounced the “treachery and barbaric nature” of the rebels behind the attack.
“This is a desperate attempt and a classic strategy of the communist terrorist group to disrupt programs and projects for the people,” Garello said, adding troops from the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion have launched operations to hunt down the perpetrators.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the PNP will be on the lookout for possible atrocities that may be launched by NPA rebels to mark their 53rd foundation anniversary on March 29.
NPA rebels traditionally launch attacks, especially government targets, to celebrate their anniversary. The military said the NPA has about 2,500 fighters throughout the country as of last January.
