Soldier, alleged NPA member killed after Albay clash

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier was killed in a landmine blast while an alleged New People’s Army member was slain in an encounter that ensued in Oas town in Albay, the Philippine Army said.

In a statement, the Army said the NPA is behind the anti personnel mine attack on Wednesday which led to instantaneous death of a personnel identified as second lieutenant Nico Malcampo of the 9th Infantry Division.

An encounter also occurred immediately after the landmine attack, which led to the death of a still unidentified Maoist rebel.

Meanwhile, three other military personnel were wounded after the landmine attack.

Government troops also recovered three high-powered weapons.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday expressed their condolences on Malcampo’s death.

“His sacrifice will not be in vain as we push forward in our mission to bring to justice every communist terrorist and fully end the communist armed conflict in the country,” AFP spokesperson Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

A native of Basilan province, Malcampo, 31, was survived by his wife and one-year old daughter.

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