Report: 6 soldiers hurt in Catanduanes ambush

At least six soldiers were wounded after suspected communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels ambushed them in Catanduanes province in Bicol. Radio dzXL reported that the soldiers led by 2Lt. Jerry Doldol of the Army's 83rd Infantry Battalion were on their way to a consultation with barangay officials and residents in Barangay Guiamlong Caramoran when they were ambushed. Capt. Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesman for the 901st Infantry Battalion, identified the wounded as Corporal Felix Reodique; PFC Victor Riobanes; PFC Lope Abanil, Privates Juvy Cerdon and Ryan Toldanes and CAA Juanito Lucero. According to the military, the shooting lasted for about forty minutes with heavy casualties on both sides. "The attack of the NPA is a clear manifestation that they are anti-development and anti progress since they wanted to hamper the delivery of basic services to the people" Bansawan said. The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition at different hospitals in Legazpi City. Meanwhile, Ka Greg Banares, National Democratic Front Bicol spokesperson claimed that the Nerissa San Juan Command of Bagong Hukbong Bayan in Catanduanes was responsible for the attack. - GMANews.TV