Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Samar ambush

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – A soldier was killed and two others were wounded when their troop was ambushed Friday afternoon on their way back to headquarters from an interior sitio of a barangay in Albuera, Leyte.

The fatality was identified as PFC Richard Abines, a native of Paranas town in Samar, while those wounded were PFCs Jay Baysa of Pinabacdao, Samar and Frederic Mar of Jamindan, Capiz.

The soldiers were part of the troops of the 78th Infantry Battalion, under the leadership of a 1st Lt. Almendras who were at sitio Calitngatnan in Brgy. San Pedro to verify reports of sightings of armed men in the mountains.

There were 16 soldiers on the Phil. Army truck when an estimated group of 10 armed men open fired at them.

Colonel Rafael Valencia, newly installed commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade here, said that, despite their loss, they would continue their peace initiatives in the area.

Leyte has already been declared manageable-conflict affected area and development-ready, thus the Philippine Army here is more focused at bringing various development initiatives of government agencies to remote areas.

Valencia also called on the people “not to let the soldiers’ death be in vain” and join hands with the government to pursue peace and progress instead. (FREEMAN)