In fact, no NPA unit was in the area on that day. Co and his companions Sofronio Cortez and Julius Borromeo were collecting plant samples from the forest when they were fired upon by elements of the 19th IB who mistook them for members of the NPA.
Katunayan, walang yunit ng BHB sa lugar noong araw na iyon. Si Co at mga kasamahan niyang sina Sofronio Cortez at Julius Borromeo ay nangunguha noon ng mga sample ng mga puno sa kagubatan nang paputukan ng mga elemento ng 19th IB nang mapagkamalan silang mga kasapi ng BHB.