2 soldiers dead, 1 hurt in clash

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers were killed while one was wounded in an encounter with the members of the New People's Army at sitio Madaha in Barangay Buenavista of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Thursday afternoon.

Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Reyes, commander of the 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said his troops were conducting peace and development activities in the village when they were fired upon by the rebels, numbering about 30. 

The slain soldiers were identified as Corporal Napoleon Supresencia and Private First Class Henry Lumio, Jr. while the injured one was Private First Class Leland Sucatre, who suffered a minor wound on his back.

The fleeing rebels took two M16 rifles after the clash, he said, adding that blood stains were found in the NPA's route of withdrawal.

"This will not impede our initiatives to provide the necessary services to the people. We will work even more in bayanihan spirit together with the local government units, the stakeholders and the people, for peace and development to thrive in their communities," Reyes said.

He said the soldiers were in close communication with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area.

Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said: "We express our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of our slain soldiers. They offered their lives for the sake of the people. They will always be remembered as true heroes and advocates of peace."

Baladad said "The CPP-NPA in Negros is disrupting the efforts of the army and the LGUs in bringing peace and development and the necessary services to the people. We call on the rebels to end the armed struggle and talk with us peacefully. We need to go back to the peace negotiating table to finally put an end to the insurgency problem of our country.".  (FREEMAN)