NPA rebels kill soldier in Samar firefight

ORMOC CITY — A soldier was killed in an encounter with suspected communist rebels in Matuguinao town, Samar province on Friday.

The lone fatality was identified as Sgt. Daniel Silagan, who was among the soldiers involved in clearing operations in Barangay Mahayag, a mountain village that could only be reached by motorcycle.

Government troopers belonging to the 63rd Infantry Battalion encountered about 10 armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes. /atm