Rebels ambush military team in Albay

1 soldier wounded

6.27.09

LEGAZPI CITY -- A Special Operation Team (SOT) of the 2nd Infantry Brigade here was attacked by undetermined number of communist rebels, leaving a soldier wounded on Thursday night, a report reaching Camp Simeon A. Ola said Saturday.

According to the report, the elements of the SOT, led by Sergeant Larry D. Tandoc were having discussions and small chats with the local residents of Barangay Mariawa, Legazpi City when the harassment happened.

However, “a power interruption ensued in the middle of their conversation, expecting that the electricity would be restored on Friday morning”, said Chief Inspector Ayn Natuel, Bicol regional police spokesperson.

Natuel said the local folks returned to their homes after the blackout, while the government team had also moved out.

Gun fires were heard at around 9 p.m., just after the power came back few minutes later, seeing Private First Class Vargas wounded and was hit on his head, police report showed.

The firefight between the military and the communist guerillas lasted for about five minutes.

On the other hand, the suspected NPA rebels carrying M16 and M14 rifles fled towards unknown direction.

The wounded soldier was brought to Bicol regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) in Legazpi City. Johana Vi E. Gasga/ Inquirer Southern Luzon.