2 slain in Surigao Sur clash

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — An Army trooper and a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla were killed in an encounter in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur on Friday night.

Reports said at least 10 to 15 armed guerrillas attempted to attack a banana plantation in Barangay Sta. Fe, but were prevented by troopers of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion. 

Another soldier was wounded in the encounter, which lasted for almost an hour, according to Lt. Col. Rey Pasco, civil military operations chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

Authorities withheld the names of the slain and wounded soldiers until after their families are notified.

Pasco said the rebels retreated, leaving behind their slain comrade.