A MEMBER of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force was injured in a gunbattle with a group of heavily-armed New People’s Army rebels in Ragay, Camarines sur shortly before noon last Saturday, PNP-SAF director Maj. Gen. Bernard M. Banac said.

According to the official, Cpl. Jayson Jalvez was hit by a bullet on his left hand during the clash with around 15 NPA guerrillas in Bgy. Agao-ao in Ragay municipality around 10:50 a.m. Saturday.

The SAF trooper was immediately treated by medics and has been declared in safe condition.

He was among the members of the 5th Company of the SAF’s 9th Special Action Battalion based in Bicol who engaged the leftist gunmen in a gunfight for around 15-minutes in Bgy. Agao-ao.

Banac said that recovered by his men at the scene of the encounter were one cal. .45 semi-automatic pistol, some M-16 loaded wth M-16 magazines, improvised explosive device or IED components and other personal items left behind by the fleeing gunmen.

A hot pursuit operation has been launched by the PNP-SAF against the rebels who will also be facing criminal charges in court, said the official.

“At the moment, the situation in the area is now under control but troops remain alert and vigilant,” Banac said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon