Soldier, NPA member killed in Samar encounter

May 12, 2017

A soldier and a member of New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in Samar province last Wednesday. 1Lt. Cherry Junia, public affairs officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the troops were responding to reported presence of  an armed group when they encountered the rebels at the boundaries of Barangay Camayaan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar and Barangay San Roque, Matuguinao, Samar arounf 10 pm. Junia said the firefight that lasted for about 10 minutes resulted in the death of Pfc Jaime  Mabini Jr. while undergoing medical treatment at a nearby hospital and recovery of one body count from the enemy side. “As of this time, nearby military units and CAA Detachments were alerted to conduct checkpoints along possible entries and exits of withdrawals of the enemy,” she said. Despite the death of their comrades, the military will continue its operation against the rebel group. “Despite of our losses, the 8ID assures that as long as the presence of the armed group still persists in the far flung barangays conducting mass recruitment, collecting revolutionary taxes and instilling psychological fear in the hearts and mind of the populace, we will continuously conduct massive combat operation,” she said. (Robina Asido/DMS)