Soldier slain, another hurt in clash with rebels in Southern Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY––A soldier was killed and another wounded in an encounter Wednesday with communist rebels in the remote village of Bontoc, Southern Leyte.

The fatality was identified as Staff Sergeant Benedict Dino. His companion, Private First Class Bernard Jack Idlisan, was wounded.

The soldiers, led by 2nd Lt. Eric Barles, were in Barangay Lawgawan where they encountered at least 11 rebels. A firefight ensued for about an hour and 15 minutes, according to the Bontoc police.

At least two members of the New People’s Army were reportedly killed.

Government troops recovered an M-16 rifle, 10 tents, and several personal belongings of the rebels, who fled after the firefight.

In San Isidro, Northern Samar, members of the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company engaged in a firefight with six rebels in Sitio Agsam, Barangay Happy Valley at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The encounter between the policemen and the rebels lasted for 10 minutes, which resulted in the recovery of several materials used in producing improvised explosive devices.

The two separate incidents took place just two days after the military in the region scored its biggest victory in years against the New People’s Army.

Last Monday, at least 19 rebels were killed during a 13-hour clash with troops from the 52nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay. Osmeña, Dolores in Eastern Samar.

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