MANILA, Philippines - Four soldiers and two communist rebels were killed in separate clashes in Samar and Compostela Valley that also left 10 people wounded, officials said yesterday.
Capt. Gene Orense, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID), said the Samar encounter occurred in Barangay Ramon in Gandara town at around 10:30 p.m.
The 30-minute gunfight left four soldiers dead and two others wounded. The military has not determined whether the New People’s Army (NPA) suffered casualties.
Orense said the soldiers were involved in various peace and development activities.
“I personally extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed. They were killed while protecting the Filipino people and in pursuit of peace and development in the area,” said Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commander of the Army’s 8th ID.
“The heroic deeds of my men will steel our resolve in pursuing peace and development in the area, that their ultimate sacrifice will not be in vain” Layug added.
Lt. Col. Glen Calambuhay, commander of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said the death of the four soldiers would not stop their peacekeeping efforts.
Meanwhile, two NPA rebels were killed while seven soldiers and a civilian were wounded in an encounter in Barangay Calabcab, Maco, Compostela Valley last Sunday.
The wounded soldiers were identified as Sgt. Marlon Parong, Cpl. Romualdo Tangonan and Pfcs. Erwin Manabat, Jaypee Sionillo, Carmelo Cachuela and Ludivico Elegio Jr. The slain rebels have yet to be identified.
Lt. Col. Jerry Borja, commander of the Army’s 71st IB, said the soldiers were able to drive away more than 70 NPA rebels even though they were outnumbered.
“I commend the heroism and bravery of these seven soldiers who fought with dedication and willingness to sacrifice their lives in order to keep peace and development in Maco” said Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th ID. – With Edith Regalado, Jaime Laude, AP