30 rebels charged for Isabela attack

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Fourteen suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas, along with 16 others have been charged for the attack on Army troopers in San Mariano, Isabela early this month.

The provincial police office filed multiple frustrated murder, attempted murder and direct assault against agents of authority against Manuel Ayat, Luz Reyes, Rodolfo Velasco, Delay Padilla, Melecio Casasola, Pepito Reyes, Arcadio Tangonan,  Joey Ramos,  Loida Reyes, Rod Gawit, Rafael Ladia, Michael Eraña, Rodolfo Valencia,  a  certain Noah and 16 others whose names were not immediately available.

The charges were filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ilagan City last Friday.

Isabela police director Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael said the respondents were identified by three soldiers and their officers, whom the suspects exchanged fire.

The troops were pursuing the members of the NPA-Central Front Committee in the villages of Buyasan and Tappa, when the suspects reportedly shot at them.

Wounded in the attack were Army 1/Lt. Randy Alog, Cpl. Reagan Malican, and Pfcs. Joe Andy Binoya and Edgar Abloy of the 45th Infantry Battalion.

The wounded soldiers were taken to Camp Melchor dela Cruz Hospital in Gamu town.