Gov’t troop slain, another hurt in clash with NPA rebels in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – A soldier was killed and another wounded in an encounter with suspected communist rebels in Las Navas town, Northern Samar on Tuesday night.

Private First Class Rommel Deboton was killed while Corporal Jaype Malbas was wounded after New People’s Army (NPA) members attacked their detachment in Barangay San Jorge about 10:50 p.m.

Captain Francis Agno, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, said the government troops managed to fire back at the rebels during the firefight.

The rebels withdrew after a two-minute firefight, he added.

Deboton was hit in the buttocks and died on the spot.

Malbas suffered a bullet wound in the left shoulder and was being treated in a district hospital in Catubig town, also in Northern Samar.

The soldiers belong to the 20th Infantry Battalion and are under the command of Lt.Col. Noli Lapizar.