One soldier killed in battle with alleged NPA in Samar

May 18, 2017

One soldier was killed in an encounter with the members of New People’s Army in Samar province last Tuesday, a military said in a report Thursday. 1Lt. Cherry Junia, public affairs chief of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the troops of 43rd Infantry Battalion encountered around 20 NPA rebels at Barangay Mahayag, Matuguinao around 9:45 am. She said the 15-minute fire fight resulted in the death of one soldier identified as Corporal Renjie Ada while there was undetermined casualty on the enemy’s side. Junia said the soldiers are pursuing the rebels. “Army units in nearby areas were ordered to conduct checkpoints along possible entries and exits of withdrawals of the enemy and to verify possible accommodation of wounded enemy in nearby hospitals,” she said. Junia said the military guarantees safety of the armed men who wish to surrender. “Your Army is sincere in its offer of peace.  We will ensure the personal safety of those who will choose to lay down their arms and peacefully return to their families,” she said. “Lay down your arms and return to the comfort of your families and friends. Live peacefully and take care of your children as they grow and become productive members of the community,” she added. Junia said  “massive military operations will be relentless against these lawless elements as long as peace and development in Eastern Visayas region is at stake.” Robina Asido/DMS