A soldier's intervention saved the life of a suspected New People's Army (NPA) member who was left injured in Barangay Cancahorao, Baleno, Masbate.

The man, identified as "Leon" was wounded in a clash with the 96th Infantry Battalion (96IB), 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) on November 20, 2024.

His comrades abandoned him allegedly after the encounter.

For two days, he reportedly waited in pain, drinking only water from a river as he lost blood from gunshot wounds in his right shoulder and thigh.

"Nag-iba 'yung pakiramdam ko, sabi ko, hindi na 'yun babalik," Leon said.

The soldiers then found Leon, provided him with first aid, carried him down the mountain, and brought him to the hospital.

"Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, namatay na ako didto — 'dun sa tubig," Leon said.

During his recovery, the government troops surprised Leon on his birthday, and his family also came to support him.

According to the 9ID, Leon's parents had opposed his decision to join the NPA.

Leon reportedly now feels a sense of regret and wishes his former comrades would give up their fight to avoid further violence.

"Sumuko na lang para 'di na mag abot ng gyera pa," he said.