Seriously Wounded NPA Commander Left to Die by his Comrades Rescued by the Government Forces in Asipulo, Ifugao

By Edward Era Barbacena

Government forces conducted first aid to the rescued wounded Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Commander in Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao on May 26, 2022. During the pursuit operation of the military near the encounter sites in Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao, a wounded CTG Commander was rescued by the government forces.

The NPA terrorist was abandoned to die by his fleeing comrades after a series of armed encounter between the troops of 54th Infantry “Magilas” Battalion, Philippine Army and the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). The said NPA Commander was identified as Avelino Cruz aka Junel/Alcaras, Vice Commanding Officer, Front Operational Command, Guerilla Front Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur (GF-AMPIS), Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee. The soldiers on the ground extended initial medical treatment and brought him to the nearest hospital for further medication.

“We extend our gratitude to the people of Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao for the information on the presence of a wounded terrorist in the area. I commend the troops for immediately aiding the wounded terrorist to save his life. The military truly values human lives and will always uphold human rights”, said Lt. Colonel Franz Josef S. Diamante, Battalion Commander of 54IB.