Police: 3 soldiers hurt in Albay ambush

Three Army soldiers were wounded following an ambush by suspected New People's Army rebels in Guinobatan town in Albay province early Wednesday, a municipal police chief said. Guinobatan police head Chief Inspector Pio Valencia Jr. said the three were rushed to the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital. "Inabangan (sila). Ayon sa witness na interview natin kahapon pa sila rito... [dalawang grupo] ang gumawa ng ambush, sampu ang sa taas, dalawa ang bumaba (It was an ambush. Witnesses we interviewed so far said two of the NPAs confronted the soldiers, while at least 10 others stayed on higher ground)," Valencia said in an interview on dzBB radio. A separate report on Bombo Radyo said the incident occurred in Binogsacan village around 7 a.m., while the soldiers were on their way to offer free rides to commuters affected by a transport strike by militant groups in Bicol. A military report said the soldiers were on their way to Pili, Camarines Sur when attacked. Valencia cited initial reports identifying the three wounded soldiers as Pfc. Sherwin Arnejo, Pfc. Rolly Inatan, and Pfc. Jay Disamprado — all members of the 7th Scout Ranger Company. When asked who they suspect to be behind the ambush, Valencia said, "ang mga kaibigan nating mga NPA (our NPA friends)." Valencia said pursuit operations are ongoing against the attackers. — RSJ, GMA News