2 soldiers, 2 civilians hurt in Sorsogon clash

Two civilians were hurt during an encounter between government forces and suspected communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barcelona, Sorsogon, last Saturday, March 7.

According to the 9th Infantry Division on Monday, the rebels attacked the community support program team from the 31st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Santa Lourdes, prompting the government troops to fight back.

The military identified the wounded civilians as a certain Giselle Emberga, 18, and one minor.

They were hurt due to the shrapnel of the rebels' grenade launcher blast. The civilians were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for medication.

Meanwhile, the military said two soldiers were also slightly wounded in the encounter.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric Culvera, battalion commander of the 31st IB, assured the residents in the area that they would continue to strengthen their security measures to prevent communist rebels from bringing hostilities. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News