Army exec slain in Negros clash

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—An army officer was killed in a firefight between government forces and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

Capt. Reylan Java, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said 2nd Lt. Jose Angelo Esguerra of the 47th Infantry Battalion was brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The soldiers were on their way to Barangay Basak in Cauayan town to conduct peace and development works at 11:45 a.m. when fired upon by rebels in Sitio Manluya, Barangay Tuyom, Cauayan. Carmel Matus, Inquirer Visayas