Election day violence in Negros Oriental: Soldier dies, another hurt in clash w/ NPA rebels

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — A Philippine Army soldier was killed in action while another was wounded as government troops clashed with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental at the height of Monday's elections.

Initial reports from the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion identified the slain soldier Private First Class Aris L. De Emoy, while the wounded soldier was identified as Private First Class Anastacio A. Aloba, Jr., whose left foot was hit during the encounter.

On or about 11 a.m. Monday, a section of Alpha Company of the 79th IB, led by 1Lt. Alexander M. Robillos, while on combat patrol operations, encountered more or less 30 fully armed suspected NPA rebels at the vicinity of Sitio Bongabong in Barangay Milagrosa, Sta. Catalina.

Firefight ensued for almost eight to ten minutes followed with running gun battle as the suspected insurgents withdrew westward.

The suspected NPA rebels are believed to be members of the NPA's SDG Platoon Robinson of the South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas.

Pursuit operations continue as two military helicopter gunships were deployed to assist ground troops, according to Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th IB.

This is the 3rd armed clash between the 79th IB and the same group of suspected NPA rebels. The first was last Monday, May 06 and the second last Saturday, May 11. (FREEMAN)