Troops of 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion save a shooting incident victim in Kumalarang, ZDS

While the troops were conducting community visitation and information campaign to deliver timely and accurate information regarding COVID-19 to the residents of Brgy. Poblacion, Kumalarang, ZDS, they were also able to save the life of a certain Randy Rimon, forty-two (42) years of age, fishpond owner and a resident of Purok Malinawon of the same barangay, from the hands of a lawless group.

The shooting transpired in Sitio Magusan, Brgy. Poblacion, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur. Mr. Rimon sustained one (1) gunshot wound (GSW) upon being fired upon by three (3) unidentified suspects wearing face masks carrying pistols of unknown caliber.

The troops led by LTC JO-AR A HERRERA INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer together with 1LT RONALD O FUENTES (INF) PA, Operations Officer and Tsg Vicente Mayo (Inf) PA, Sergeant Major of this unit immediately proceeded to the crime scene. Because of their compassion and quick reaction to the event, they were able to save the victim. The suspects, however, fled toward west direction of Purok Sawa, Brgy. Poblacion of the same municipality.

The troops immediately brought the victim to Kumalarang Rural Health Station for first aid. The victim was later transported to Jamellarin Hospital in Bagong Silang, Balangasan District, Pagadian City for proper medication.

“Ok lang sir, salamat talaga sa pag rescue. At dahil dito sir, di na ako manghihinayang magpatulong sa inyo, kasi di naman kaya ng police lang ang mag-operate sa area dyan,” Kumalarang Mayor Ruel Molina said in a statement shortly after the rescue of one of his constituents.