2 soldiers killed, 1 wounded in clash with rebels in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers were killed while another was wounded in two separate attacks believed to be perpetrated by communist rebels in Samar on Monday.

According to reports reaching the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) based in Palo town, Leyte, the soldiers, identified only as Corporal Bueno and Private First Class Labid, were killed at the boundary Barangay San Antonio and Barangay Catotogan in Las Navas, Northern Samar about 11:20 a.m. on Monday.

The soldiers, who were clad in civilian clothes, were part of the clearing and route security personnel of the 543rd Engineer Combat Battalion.

The group was inspecting road projects in the villages of San Antonio, Aguinaldo, and Isidro, all in Las Navas town under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana), when they were reportedly ambushed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Meanwhile, PFC Renan Antojado was wounded in a separate ambush in Barangay Literon, Calbiga town, also in Samar around 10:20 a.m. Monday, the PRO-8 report said.

Antojado was with other soldiers resting along the Calbiga River in Barangay Literon when they were fired upon by about five rebels.

Antojado was wounded in the exchange of gunfire and was brought to the Calbiga Municipal Health Station for treatment. /ee