An injured commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) was rescued by government troops two days after an armed encounter in Sitio Madarag, Barangay Jagnaan, San Jacinto, Masbate.
The wounded man was identified as Ramon Bartolata, also known as “Jamon,” the commanding officer of Platoon 3, Komiteng Larangang Gerilya North under the Bicol Regional Party Committee. He was reportedly with fellow NPA member Eddie Rosero, alias “Star,” during a gun battle with the 96th Infantry Battalion (96IB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Masbate last Saturday.
Bartolata was discovered with a festering wound and unable to stand. According to reports, he hid near the clash site for two days, hoping his comrades would return for him. Instead, it was the soldiers—whom he considered enemies—who ultimately rescued and helped save his life.
After locating him, troops from the 96IB transported Bartolata from Masbate to Albay so he could receive proper medical attention.
No additional details about the status of other rebels or casualties from the encounter were released.
