Army Soldier Killed by Rebels

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur A member of the Philippine Army identified as Pfc Romeo Z Daza was shot to death by communist rebels at Brgy Veneracion, Pamplona, Camarines Sur last 29 December.

Pfc Daza was assigned at Cuco Detachment under Charlie CAFGU Company, 22IB, 9ID, PA based at Brgy Cuco, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. He suffered three gunshot wounds in the chest and two in the head that immediately resulted to his death. His remains were later brought to Bicol Medical Center.

The perpetrators withdrew towards the direction of Brgy Tampadong, Pamplona, Camarines Sur. Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shells, one live ammunition of 9mm pistol and two empty shells of Cal .45.

Daza was among the soldiers of 9ID who were placed on standby for the series of disaster response operations in Albay Province. At least 600 soldiers from 9ID were deployed on rotation basis to support the PDCC-Albay to address the various requirements of the growing number of evacuees around the province.

"This atrocity shows the true color of the communist terrorist movement. This is a clear violation of human rights considering that the soldier is unarmed and is not on an official duty status during the time of the shooting," said MGen Ruperto R Pabustan, the Commanding General of 9^th ID.

"I want to express my sympathy to the bereaved family of Pfc Daza. We will not stop until justice is given to him," he added.

Philippine Army's 9^th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Harold M. Cabunoc said that the family of the deceased will file a legal case against the perpetrators of the crime in coordination with the Philippine National Police.