By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – A wounded New People’s Army (NPA) member who was rescued after a recent encounter with government troops was transferred on Wednesday from the Masbate Provincial Hospital to the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City for more comprehensive medical care, the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID) said.
In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID spokesperson, said alias ‘Leon’ was abandoned by his fellow rebels in Barangay Cancaharo, Baleno town in Masbate province.
The clash also resulted in the confiscation of high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles, one caliber .45 pistol, one caliber .44 revolver, explosives, and other equipment and documents of the insurgents.
“He will be treated at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City, and it was seen that our hospital is capable of the medical interventions needed. He was transported via Sokol helicopter and just passed through 9ID to the land here. As of now, they are now traveling to BMC in an ambulance,” Roldan said.
He said Leon almost lost hope of surviving when his colleagues left him, but the troops of the 96th Infantry Battalion (96IB) did not hesitate to help him.
“Leon, a 27-year-old who just celebrated his birthday Wednesday, was accompanied by his father in BMC. He has wounds in his legs, but his condition is more stable,” Roldan said.
In a separate interview, Leon’s father thanked the soldiers for rescuing and bringing his son to the hospital.
“Wag na kayo gumaya, wala kayong mapapala kundi problema, pati mga kapatid niyo na mga nag-aaral. Salamat sa mga sundalo na hindi pinabayaan ang aking anak (Don’t imitate those who became NPA rebels; you will get nothing but problems, including your brothers and sisters who are students. Thanks to the soldiers who did not leave my son,” he said.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Francis Espiritu, 96IB commander, said it is only appropriate to save the life of any wounded rebel who is no longer capable of fighting.
He also thanked the local government of Baleno and the barangay council in the area for their help in seeking treatment for the wounded rebel. (PNA)
