Army officer killed in clash

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – A military officer was killed in an encounter between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Surigao del Sur on Friday.

2nd Lt. Romeo Beniegla Jr. and his companions were on patrol in the hinterlands of Barangay Buhisan in San Agustin town when they encountered some 30 NPA rebels, according to Major Christian Uy, Civilian Military Operations (CMO) head and spokesperson for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

Two other soldiers – Pfcs. Gaspar Calleja Jr. and Donald Linian – were wounded in the firefight, according to Major Judith Loayon, CMO head of the 410th Infantry Battalion.

Calleja and Linian were brought to a military hospital in Barangay Bancasi.

The encounter came a day after military and police officials warned about the alleged massive recruitment activities of the NPA in this city.

Lt. Col. Patrick Martinez of the 402nd IB confirmed the rebels are recruiting youth and young adults in schools and in villages. – Ben Serrano, Jaime Laude