2 soldiers slain in Negros clash

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Two Army troopers were killed while another one was wounded in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental Thursday.

The fatalities were identified as Cpl. Napoleon Supresencia and PFC Lumio Jr., while PFC Leland Sucatre was hit in the back, according to Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson for the Army's 3rd Infantry Brigade.

The troops were conducting peace and development activities in Barangay Buenavista when about 30 rebels fired at them, said Lt. Col. Ariel Reyes, commanding officer of the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion. 

The rebels were believed to be members of the Central Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros. The NPAs fled with two M16 rifles they reportedly took from the soldiers.

“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,” said Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army’s 3rd IB.