EX-UN PEACEKEEPERS SURVIVE REBEL AMBUSH IN MASBATE

EX-UN PEACEKEEPERS SURVIVE REBEL AMBUSH IN MASBATE
By Cet dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---A nine-man team composed of former United Nations peacekeepers deployed in Haiti and Liberia survived a lightning ambush staged by New People’s Army rebels at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Gaid, Dimasalang, Masbate, an Bicol Army spokesman said.
Major Harold Cabunoc, Bicol spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said though that the soldiers headed by Col. Louie Dagoy, Army 85th IB commander, managed to maneuver after an improvised bomb exploded which partially damaged the military truck then passing the rugged road.
“Using their training as former UN peacekeepers, they immediately positioned themselves and managed to repulse the attack,” Cabunoc said.
For his part though, Dagoy said it was pure luck that saved them from the rebel-initiated ambush.
“More or less 5 armed men triggered the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the road as we were about to pass by. It was the element of luck which saved me and my soldiers”, Dagoy said.
Dagoy said that it was the third ambuscade that he experienced in his military career.
“It is the fourth ambuscade with the use of IEDs here in Masbate. We suspect the PAGs members as the perpetrators but we don’t discount the possibility that the NPA is also behind this. They had claimed responsibility over the other 3 ambuscades against our soldiers and policemen assigned with the STF Masbate since January 2010,” Dagoy added.
Despite of the recent incident, Major General Ruperto Pabustan expressed optimism about the positive developments in Masbate.
“I am glad that the various efforts of the Joint Special Task Force Masbate is now bearing fruit. The soldiers and policemen who compose the Task Force deserve to be commended for their untiring efforts,” Pabustan said.
The military convoy was about to attend the ceremonial turnover of loose firearms collected and surrendered through the efforts of Masbate First Dist.Representative Narciso “Bong” Bravo Jr. (cet dematera)
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