Fighting displaces Aeta families

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales, Philippines — A government soldier was killed during a clash with suspected communist rebels in San Marcelino town, authorities said on Saturday.

The encounter, which began at 5 a.m. on Friday and lasted for over 30 hours, displaced close to 200 families, or 700 people, at an Aeta community in Barangay Buhawen of San Marcelino town in Zambales province, said its mayor, Elvis Soria.

An Army report identified the fatality as Sgt. Rudi Dilao who belonged to the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company. Officials were still verifying reports that some New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were also killed.

The clash broke out when military troops on patrol chanced upon the rebel team.

Soria said Aeta families near the encounter site were evacuated to a covered court in Barangay Aglao, even as public health measures were being enforced given the threat posed by the coronavirus.

“A medical team and local government employees had been taking care of the displaced villagers,” Soria said.

—Joanna Rose Aglibot