Army soldiers, pursuing suspected New People’s Army rebels responsible for the recent bombing of a sugar mill transloading station, encountered them yesterday, and inflicted injuries on two, in Brgy. Macasilao, Calatrava.

Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said the gunbattle started after soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion responded to reports from civilians about the presence of about 10 suspected NPA rebels in the place.

The running gunbattle, that lasted for 20 minutes, led to the injuries of two fleeing rebels, who were hit in the back and shoulder, Aying, said, citing reports of civilians.

A magazine of an M-14 assault rifle loaded with ammunition was recovered at the encounter site, while traces of bloodstains were seen at the withdrawal routes of the rebels, Aying added.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, 62IB commander, said they were able to locate the NPA group responsible for the bombing of the transloading station owned by the Lopez Sugar Corp. in Brgy. Mabini, Escalante City, the damage from which was placed at about P14 million.

Cordova said they have alerted their medical team to treat injured rebels who may come down to surrender and seek medical help.

Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad,3ID commander, reminded troops to maintain their professionalism and strictly follow the rule of law, and observe respect for human rights, as they pursue the fleeing rebels*GPB

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