LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Army rescued a wounded leader of the New People's Army (NPA) two days after an encounter in Sitio Madarag, Barangay Jagnaan, San Jacinto, Masbate in which another NPA leader tagged in the killing of a FEU football player was killed.
Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division (ID), said Ramon Bartolata, alias "Jamon," commanding officer of Platoon 3, Komiteng Larangang Gerilya North, Sub-regional Committee 4, Bicol Regional Party Committee, was found by troops of the 96th Infantry Battalion (IB) near the encounter site.
He said that Bartolata was unable to walk due to multiple bullet wounds and infection sustained in the encounter.
Roldan said Bartolata hid near the encounter site hoping to be rescued by his comrades. But instead of his comrades, Bartolata was rescued by the military.
From Masbate, Bartolata was taken by the 96th IB to Albay province for proper medical attention.
The leadership of the 9th ID assured assistance to the wounded NPA while Major Gen. Adonis Bajao, 9th ID chief, cited operating troops for their efforts to end insurgency in their area of responsibility and giving importance to human rights.