SAF trooper wounded in Camarines Sur encounter

MANILA, Philippines — A police Special Action Force (SAF) commando was wounded following an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Ragay, Camarines Sur on Saturday.

Cpl. Jayson Jalvez and his fellow commandos were conducting law enforcement operations in Barangay Aga-ao when they encountered around 15 rebels at past 10 a.m., according to SAF director Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac.

Jalvez suffered a gunshot wound in the hand.

Banac said the rebels fled, leaving behind a .45-caliber pistol, ammunition for an M16 rifle and bomb paraphernalia.

“The situation is under control but the troopers remain alert and vigilant,” Banac said in a message to The STAR.

Authorities have yet to confirm if the rebel side suffered casualties or injuries.