ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Military authorities have rescued a wounded commander of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was abandoned by his comrades during an intense gun battle with government troops in a village bordering the towns of Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino last Thursday, December 31.
Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, said Elmer Lasib, commander of Guerilla Front Musa under the NPA- Far South Mindanao Regional Committee, was rescued by government troops who were conducting clearing operations in Barangay Bagras, Palimbang town.
He said the wounded NPA rebel was among those who were wounded during intensified military operations conducted before Christmas against some the Communist group, which was supposed to hold a plenum to celebrate the founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines last December 26.
The combined air and ground assault against the NPA rebels, who were encamped in the area also resulted in the death of seven NPA combatants.
Gubat said Lasib was immediately given medical treatment and placed under the custody of 37th Infantry Battalion (37th IB).
He said the military, in compliance with international humanitarian law, was obliged to assist the enemy of the state who could be in dire need.