2 soldiers killed in suspected NPA ambush in Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar—Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush allegedly staged by communist rebels in Catbalogan City, Samar, on Friday night.

The rebels also took the P1.8 million in food allowance intended for soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion where the victims belonged.

The fatalities were identified as Sgt. Christopher Campos and Corporal Chelito Edera who died from bullet and shrapnel wounds caused by a land mine that exploded before the rebels opened fire.

Wounded were Lt. Gerwin Ladera, leader of the five-member team; Private First Class Rey Calabroso and Private First Class Jack Macatantan who were all in stable condition at the division health station.

The soldiers went to Camp Lukban, headquarters of the Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas located in Catbalogan City, on Friday to get their meal allocation for next month worth P1.8 million.

The soldiers, who were on board a military truck, were on their way to their camp in Barangay Dao in Oras town, Eastern Samar.

About 40 minutes after they left Camp Lukban, the truck hit a land mine that exploded about 7:40 p.m. along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Lagundi Catbalogan City.

After the explosion, alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who positioned themselves on the roadside, opened fire at the soldiers, said Capt. Isagani Viernes, spokesperson of the 8th infantry division.

READ: 1 soldier killed, 5 hurt in ambush by suspected NPA in N. Samar

The rebels then took the money before escaping, said Viernes.

Insurgency remains a big problem in Eastern Visayas.

Three days before the ambush in Catbalogan City, communist rebels also ambushed a group of soldiers in Catarman town, Northern Samar on Nov. 24, killing one soldier and wounding five others. CDG