CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, (PNA) — The 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army Monday morning honored the four soldiers who were wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army rebels in Albay last Saturday.
Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, 9th ID spokesperson, said Corporal Henry Niño P. Barra, Private First Class Valentino M. Riñon, Pfc. Melvin M. Navarro and Pfc. Ryan O. Magistrado each received Wounded Personnel Medal.
The four were among the joint elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and the 91st Division Reconnaissance Company under 1Lt. Richard Relloso that encountered 10 NPA rebels under Antonio Abadiza alias Ka Flatop of the Kilusang Gerilya Komite 78 in Sitio Binisitahan, Barangay Mariawa, Legazpi City in Albay.
Panesa said the Army troopers were on a security patrol in the area after they received a report involving NPA members who were allegedly demanding a percentage in the allowance of winning barangay officials.