Soldiers arrest 2 wounded rebels from clash in Sultan Kudarat town
LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat (June 21) – Government forces arrested on Saturday two guerrillas injured in a clash in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the day before that left three rebels and a soldier killed.
Seized from them was a rifle. They were provided medical assistance.
Lieutenant Colonel Christopherson M. Capuyan, commanding officer of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, said the two arrested New Peoples Army (NPA) fighters were minors aged 16 and 17, and are now undergoing medication in a military hospital.
Both sustained injuries and fled following a fierce firefight at midnight on Friday in Barangay Datu Ito Andong, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
READ: Soldier, 3 NPA rebels killed in Sultan Kudarat clash
Capuyan said the two were arrested after civilians tipped the soldiers about the presence of wounded rebels in Sitio Maugan, Barangay Datu Ito.
The two did not resist when responding soldiers showed up in their location at about 9 a.m. on Saturday, said Capuyan.
Capuyan said the wounded rebels were transported by military ambulance to Kalamansig municipal health unit and turned over to the custody of Kalamansig town police office for documentation.
On Saturday afternoon, they were transported to the Camp Siongco Station Hospital (CSSH), the Army division health facility in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Capuyan lauded the cooperation of the local residents that led to the successful operation.
“This successful apprehension is a testament to the strong partnership between our military forces, Philippine National Police and the peace-loving people of Kalamansig. Their willingness to share critical information directly led to the capture of these wounded individuals,” Capuyan said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Major General Donald Gumiran, 6th Infantry Division commander, bestowed the Military Merit Medal to the late Corporal JayR Baay of the 37th IB who was slain during Friday’s clash.
This was done during the send-off ceremony for Baay on Saturday.
Gumiran further accorded Baay a posthumous promotion, and financial assistance to his wife. /mr
