A LIGHTNING strike on Sunday killed two soldiers and injured four others conducting security operation in Lubuagan, Kalinga.
A report from the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB) identified the fatalities as Cpl. Andrew Monterubio and Pvt. Inmongog Aronchay.
The injured soldiers were Sgt. Denis Bananao, Pfc. Melvin Danggalan, Pvt. Abegil Awingan and Pvt. Riel Angya.
Bananao, Danggalan, Awingan and Angya were rushed to the Kalinga District Hospital for medical treatment and are now in stable condition.
An investigation showed the soldiers were pursuing the remnants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the border areas of Western Uma, Lubuagan, and Balatoc in Pasil, Kalinga when the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The 54th IB expressed condolences to the families, relatives, friends, and colleagues of Monterubio and Aronchay.
“We extend our condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of our fallen comrades, Cpl. Monterubio and Pfc .Aronchay, who died while fulfilling their duty in Pasil, Kalinga, on May 12, 2024. You fought bravely, our brothers. May you rest in peace,” said the 54th IB in a statement.
According to 5ID Public Affairs Office chief Maj. Rigor Pamittan, the operation was part of the hunt for members of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Baggas of the New People’s Army in the areas of Lubuagan and Pasil.
“The community mourns their loss, and we recognize their contributions to the country’s security and peace,” the 5th ID said.
“This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of our military personnel’s risks and dangers, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being,” the Army said.
“We urge the public to take precautionary measures during thunderstorms and to follow the guidelines provided by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety,” it added.