Soldier killed in Kalinga clash with alleged NPA rebels

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, ISABELA – An Army soldier was killed over the weekend after suspected New People’s Army rebels attacked the military detachment at Balbalan town in Kalinga province, police and military officials said on Monday.

Private First Class Samuel Neri died from shrapnel wounds as he was being brought to the Balbalan District Hospital, according to Army Captain Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson.

Kalinga provincial police director Sr. Supt. Alfredo Dangani said Neri was wounded by a grenade thrown by one of about 25 suspected rebels, who attacked the advance command post of the 50th Infantry Battalion at Poblacion village on Sunday night.

Authorities said the soldiers engaged the armed men in a 25-minute gun battle before the rebels retreated to the mountains.

Somera said they suspect the rebels dragged back wounded members due to bloodstains discovered at their withdrawal route.        /kga