Police authorities identified the fatalities as First Sgt. Bagawa, who headed the patrol unit; Sergeants Ruflo and Jack Padilla, and Pfc. Bautista, and the wounded as Sgt. Parinas, all belonging to the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion based in Naujan town.
The rebels reportedly fled toward the boundary of this municipality and Gloria town after the ambush. They carted away an M-203 and four M-16 rifles from the victims.
Police said the Army unit was patrolling Barangay Pambisan at about 12:10 a.m. when an improvised bomb exploded, instantly killing the four soldiers.
Another NPA ambush was reported in Barangay San Luis, also in Naujan town, some 28 kilometers from Calapan City. No casualties were reported. — With Ed Amoroso