By Alec Go
Two soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion who were part of the search and rescue operations for the Cessna plane that crashed in Albay were killed by communist terrorist group (CTG) members, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported.
The 9ID said the slain soldiers, Pvt. John Paul Adalim and Pvt. Mark June Esico, were buying supplies in Cotmon, Camalig around 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, when they were ambushed by five CTG members.
Both sustained gunshot injuries that resulted in their death.
The 9ID has strongly condemned the “inhuman and traitorous killing” of its personnel.
MGen. Adonis Bajao, 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia commander, expressed condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.
“Masyado nang desperado ang mga teroristang grupo dahil sa walang humpay na operasyon sa kabundukan ng Philippine Army na nagpapahina pa lalo sa kanilang grupo,” he said.
“Pagpapakita rin ito ng kanilang kaduwagan at kawalan ng respeto sa karapatang pantao sa pamamagitan ng pagkitil ng buhay kabilang na ang mga sundalong nakatalaga sanang magpaabot ng tulong at magsalba ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he added. – gb
