Soldier killed, 3 others wounded in clash with NPA rebels in Davao Oriental

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—An Army soldier was killed while three others were wounded in a clash with New People’s Army rebels in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Tuesday, the military said Wednesday.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesperson of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Camp Panacan here, said soldiers from the 28th Infantry Battalion were conducting a peace and development mission in Barangay San Isidro when they clashed with the rebels.

Galon identified the slain soldier as Pfc Marlo Basadre. Those wounded were identified only by their surnames—Semacio, Bonete and Daluz.

Major Jacob Obligado, civil military operations officer of the 10th Infantry Division, said the clash lasted nearly two hours.

The rebels, he said, numbered about 60 while the soldiers were about 30.

With a report from Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao