CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao—A government soldier was killed in a clash with communist rebels on Wednesday (Sept. 2) in the town of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat province.
Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers from the 37th Infantry Battalion were on patrol when they were ambushed by at least 10 New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels at the village of Datu Ito Andong.
Earlier, a backhoe working on a road project in the area was set ablaze by the rebels, which prompted the Army to send in troops.
The gunfight lasted for at least 30 minutes, ending in rebels fleeing to different directions.
One of the soldiers was initially wounded but died later in a hospital. He was identified as Cpl Wilson Caguimbal.
Caguimbal, according to the 37th IB in a statement, “died protecting the citizens of Kalamansig against terrorism.” “His ultimate sacrifice will forever remain in our hearts,” the battalion said.
Caguimbal was part of an Army team deployed to secure a government road construction project between Lebak and Kalamansig towns.