Masbate Clash Wounds an Innocent Child

MASBATE CITY – An innocent child who was used as human shield was slightly wounded in a clash between the communist rebels and Army soldiers early morning here today (March 11).

 

LtCol Jun Pacatan, Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion said that the clash occurred at around 7:40am in Sitio Balinsasayaw (sub-village), Bugtong village in Mandaon town.

 

He said that the a squad of his soldiers led by Staff Sergeant Joel Pavon was on security operations when they spotted some unidentified armed men in a house beside a creek.

 

Sensing the presence of hapless civilians, Pavon directed his men to hold their fire and surround the rebels to arrest them.

 

“We were approaching the house, when the first volley of fire rained on us prompting all of my soldiers to seek cover. Some of the rebels were hiding behind the dumbfounded children and we fired selectively, trying to avoid hitting the human shields,” said Pavon.

 

Outnumbered by the soldiers, the rebels retreated in disarray after about three minutes of firefight. Soldiers found traces of blood along their withdrawal direction.

 

The soldiers discovered a Cal .45 pistol, a Cal .38 revolver and an improvised bomb left behind by the rebels. Three combat packs containing subversive documents were confiscated by the soldiers.