By Jennifer P. Rendon
A soldier was injured in another armed encounter in Janiuay, Iloilo.
Authorities did not divulge the identity of the wounded soldier, but he allegedly suffered a slight gunshot injury on the head.
The clash occurred around 9:48 am Friday when members of the 12th Infantry Battalion met members of the SYP Balay Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P)’s Central Front at Sitio Tinurian, Barangay Aglobong.
The rebels were allegedly led by a certain Andoy.
The firefight lasted for about 40 minutes.
The rebels then withdrew towards the western part of the area.
There was no body count on the side the rebels, but government troops noted traces of blood on their escape route.
Recovered from the scene were an M16 Armalite rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a bandolier, four magazines of M16 rifle, and three backpacks.
The latest encounter happened two days after members of the 12th IB also encountered the Baloy Platoon at Sitio Naguihot, Barangay Panuran also in Janiuay.
A 21-year-old man was injured near the encounter site.
Authorities are investigating, though, if he is affiliated with the rebel group or just a civilian caught in the crossfire.