NPA attacks soldiers in Northern Samar: 1 dies, 2 hurt

TACLOBAN CITY — A soldier was killed while two others were wounded after they were attacked by members of New People’s Army (NPA) in a Northern Samar town, the military said Saturday.

Killed during the armed fight was Private First Class Alvin Avila, who died on the spot, while the wounded soldiers were identified as Private Ivan Anthony Ignao, who was hit on his abdomen, and Private Michael Ocasla, who was hit on his forehead.

Capt. Francis Agno, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said the soldiers were part of the first squad of the community support program of the 20th Infantry Battalion based in Las Navas, Northern Samar and under the command of Lt. Col. Noli Lapizar.

The soldiers were attacked by about 30 NPA members in Barangay Caputo-an of said town around 6:20 a.m. on Saturday.

Government troops, led by Cpl. Cabanero, subsequently retaliated. The firefight lasted for an hour.

The killed and wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital in Catubig town, also in Northern Samar.

Government troops are on alert for anticipated NPA attacks as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is set to celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on December 26. /kga