Militiaman killed, 4 hurt in NPA attack in Samar

MANILA, Philippines - One government militia was killed and four persons were hurt after rebels attacked a meeting between soldiers and local residents in Northern Samar last Tuesday, the military said.

Captain Gene Orense, spokesman of the Army’s 8th division, said soldiers had been conducting a dialogue with civilians in Barangay Guindaulan in Rosario town when they were fired upon by communist rebels.

This led to a firefight between state forces and insurgents that started at about 12:20 p.m.

Orense said the clash left a militia man dead and four others wounded. The identity of the slain militia was withheld pending notification of his family.

Wounded were civilian Raul Estellero, soldiers S/Sgt. Dionald Opilanda and Sgt. Arnold Miranda and militia man Jonar Estellero.

The military claimed some insurgents were also wounded during the clash based on the statements of civilians in the area.

“The NPA (New People’s Army) insurgents once again violated Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by not sparing civilians from their attack against the government troops,” said Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion.

Northern Samar is one of the areas with huge concentration of rebel fighters. Other areas heavily-influenced by the rebels include Davao and Bicol provinces and Negros. – Alexis Romero