CATBALOGAN CITY – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was recently rescued by troops from the 63rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, after being wounded in an armed encounter in the hinterlands of Sitio Bagti, Brgy. Mabini, Basey, Samar, on May 30, 2024.
The wounded rebel was identified as Melchor Fabula, alias Allan/Rico, a 41-year-old member of Bugsok Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Alias Allan was abandoned by his comrades after sustaining gunshot wounds in a 40-minute firefight with government troops. During the clearing operations, troops discovered the wounded Fabula and a slain rebel identified as Doming Pajares, alias Bager.
The soldiers immediately administered first aid to Allan and transported him to Camp Lukban Station Hospital for further medical treatment. Pajares’ body was taken to a funeral home.
Allan is scheduled to undergo surgery due to severe wounds on his right arm.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased insurgent. He also commended the troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion for upholding basic human rights.
“Let us continue to adhere to our principles of upholding basic human rights and adhering to International Humanitarian Law. Let us remain humane, even to our enemies. May this serve as a wake-up call to those still engaged in armed struggle. No matter how loyal you are to the CPP-NPA, when you are on the verge of dying and need help, they will abandon you,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo emphasized.
He encouraged the remaining insurgents to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.
“To the remaining rebels, choose the peaceful path and give peace a chance. Let us be united and not hinder the socio-economic progress of barangays, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas that desperately need a peaceful community,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo expressed.
