Army honors wounded relief troops in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 21  -- The Philippine Army has recognized the bravery of wounded soldiers who fought the New People’s Army (NPA) who attacked humanitarian response team in Catubig, Northern Samar.

Brig. Gen. Mario Lacurom, 803rd brigade commander, pinned the wounded personnel medal to Corporal Yzazel Laure and Pfc. Ronald Gomez on Thursday while in confinement. The Northern Samar provincial government awarded PHP40,000 cash and grocery packs to each soldier.

Gomez suffered a bullet wound in the buttocks while Laure was hit in the belly when about 50 rebels attacked them, triggering an hour-long firefight Sunday afternoon in Hinagonoyan village, Catubig town.

The military was heading to flooded communities to help bring residents to higher grounds and transport relief goods.

Top military officials condemned the attack of NPA terrorists against soldiers delivering food relief to families affected by Tropical Storm “Urduja”, calling it cowardly and inhuman.

Despite the attack, Lacurom promised that the military will continue serving the people especially in times of calamities. He branded the attack as a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

“We deplore this kind of act of terrorist NPA that instead of helping the victims of disasters, they are making the disaster response complicated to the detriment of those who are already affected,” Lacurom said.

Despite the recent declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend military operations against the New People’s Army, the military in Northern Samar will remain vigilant and mindful of their safety during the holiday truce, according to Lacurom.

The ceasefire would run from Dec. 24, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018 and the Palace expects the communist rebels to return the favor. (RTA/PNA)