Soldier slain in a clash with NPAs in Samar

Members of the New People’s Army — File photo from ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

TACLOBAN CITY — A soldier was killed in an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Matuguinao, Samar on Saturday, May 4.

The soldier, who held the rank of a corporal, was killed in an encounter in Barangay San Roque, a report from the 8th Infantry Division (ID) based in Catbalogan City, Samar said.

The soldiers, belonging to the 19th Infantry Battalion which is based in Catubig, Northern Samar, were in the village when they encountered the group of rebels at about 6:58 a.m.

The armed encounter lasted for 10 minutes which resulted in the death of the soldier who was hit on his neck.

The rebels, estimated to be about 10, were said to be part of the sub-regional guerilla unit of the sub-regional committee Emporium led by Gino de la Cruz of the NPA, the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The 8th ID, in its report, said it had already informed the family of the slain soldier and troops conducted a pursuit operation against the rebels.