Naga City: A wounded member of the New People's Army (NPA), identified only by the alias 'Leon', has been transferred from Masbate Provincial Hospital to the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City for further medical treatment. This development follows a recent clash with government forces, as reported by the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID). According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Frank Roldan, spokesperson for the 9ID, stated that Leon was left behind by his fellow rebels in Barangay Cancaharo, Baleno town, Masbate province. The encounter resulted in the seizure of several high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles, a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .44 revolver, explosives, and various equipment and documents belonging to the insurgents. Roldan explained that Leon was transported to BMC via a Sokol helicopter and then taken by ambulance for the necessary medical interventions. He noted that Leon, who recently turned 27, was accompanied by his father to the hospital, and although he su stained leg wounds, his condition has stabilized. In a separate interview, Leon's father expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their assistance and urged others not to follow the path of becoming NPA rebels, emphasizing the problems it brings to families. Lt. Col. Francis Espiritu, commander of the 96th Infantry Battalion (96IB), stated in a release that saving the life of any incapacitated rebel is the right course of action. He also thanked the local government of Baleno and the barangay council for their support in facilitating Leon's medical treatment.