Two soldiers killed in clash with alleged NPAs in Aurora

April 22, 2020

Two soldiers were killed while three others were wounded in a one-hour clash with alleged New People's Army (NPA) members in Aurora province on Tuesday.

Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said the fire fight happened at the vicinity of Brgy. Diaat, Maria Aurora, Aurora province.

He said the Scout Platoon from the 91st Infantry Battalion were conducting a security patrol  in relation to the distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Special Amelioration Program (SAP) when they were fired upon.

Zagala said the incident has resulted in the deaths of Pfc. Ken Lester Sasapan and Pfc. Jackson Mallari.

"The firefight lasted for about an hour and the troops were able to defend their position while the communist terrorist group escaped to different location," he said.

Zagal said Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay honored the sacrifice of the two soldiers.

"We mourn the death of Pfc. Sasapan and Pfc. Mallari whose demise were caused by the treachery of the communist terrorist group capitalizing the assistance provided by the soldiers to the communities in line with distribution of SAP," Gapay said.

"They fought valiantly and paid a great sacrifice to protect our people from the atrocities caused by the CPP-NPA terrorists,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS