Soldier wounded in clash with NPA in Samar

Calbiga, Samar (Wikipedia maps)

CALIBIGA, Samar — An Army soldier was wounded during an encounter with communist rebels in the hinterland village of Hubasan, Caliba town, Samar, a military report said.

A bullet hit the right arm of Corporal Eric D. Basa and exited in his stomach about 10 a.m. on Tuesday (Apr. 4).

He was later brought to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City, Leyte, where he was in stable condition, said 1Lt. Cherry M. Junia, the public affairs officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion Division.

Junia said soldiers belonging to the Bravo Company of the 87th Infantry Battalion were conducting a reconnaissance patrol when they encountered a band of New People’s Army rebels in Hubasan Village.

A firefight ensued and Basa was hit.

Junia said the soldiers had blocked all possible exit points in a bid to capture the rebels.  SFM