Soldier wounded in Northern Samar skirmish with suspected NPA rebels
TACLOBAN CITY – A soldier was wounded in an encounter with alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mapanas, Northern Samar early Wednesday morning.
The soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the arm, according to a report from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar.
The 20-minute encounter took place in Barangay Magsaysay, a hinterland village located 15 kilometers away from the town proper.
Col. Efren Morados, the commanding officer of the 803rd Infantry Brigade based in Catarman, the provincial capital of Northern Samar, said the the recovery of the 15 high-powered firearms by soldiers belonging to the 74th Infantry Battalion, was a major setback on the part of the communist rebels.
“We will relentlessly pursue them for we are determined to put an end to their atrocities here in Northern Samar. Despite this, we are still offering you peace to start a new life with your loved ones. Lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law,” he said in a statement.
