Soldier, civilian killed in NPA ambush

NAGA CITY, Philippines—An Army soldier and a female civilian were killed when suspected New People’s Army rebels opened fire at a passenger jeepney in Barangay Macawayan, Irosin, Sorsogon Friday morning, a military official said.

Major Angelo Guzman, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division, said Private First Class Efren Salcedo, 28, assigned at the 49th Infantry Battalion, and based in Gubat, Sorsogon was riding the jeepney when the rebels attacked at 9 a.m.

Salcedo’s fellow passenger, a female civilian identified as Resurecion Mendones of Barangay Macawayan, was hit in the crossfire and was killed on the spot, Guzman said.

He said Salcedo took the jeepney and was going to Gubat after celebrating his son’s birthday at a swimming resort in Macawayan.

Guzman said Salcedo was riding at the back of the jeepney seated close to Mendones when the armed rebels, who were waiting by the roadside, fired as the vehicle passed.

He said one NPA rebel, who hailed from Barangay Macawayan, was identified as Richard Galos, 25. His two other companions remain unidentified.