2 soldiers killed, 6 wounded in NPA attacks

MANILA, Philippines - Two soldiers were killed while six others were wounded in separate attacks by suspected communist rebels in Compostela Valley and Eastern Samar last Monday. 

Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said members of the 25th Infantry Battalion (IB) were patrolling San Vicente Village at around 5:30 p.m. when a landmine exploded.

“As soldiers rushed for cover, at least 15 rebels opened fire, triggering an intense firefight that lasted several minutes,” Cabunoc said in a statement.  

The attack left one soldier dead and three others injured. The wounded soldiers were brought to the Compostela Valley Regional Hospital.

In another incident, a soldier was killed while three others were wounded in an ambush by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Llorente, Eastern Samar.

Lt. Col. Niceforo Diaz, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the attack happened at around 8 p.m. in Barangay Antipolo.

He said the soldiers from the 43rd IB were in the area to conduct community development projects.

Diaz said it is possible that the communist rebels were securing illegal mining operations in the area.

“The livelihood sources of rebels are also the livelihood sources of residents. The NPA rebels are earning money from those who are earning from the mining activities, legal or illegal,” Diaz said.

“The message they (NPA) want to convey is they do not want their livelihood source disturbed,” he added. – With Edith Regalado