Trooper slain in Northern Samar ambush

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines –  A soldier was killed while two others were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas ambushed a military vehicle transporting aid to typhoon victims in Las Navas town, Northern Samar yesterday morning.

The ambush occurred a day before the start of the holiday truce declared separately by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the government. 

The truce takes effect today until Jan. 3, 2016.

The troopers were traveling between the villages of Bukid and Bugay when the rebels waylaid them just before 8 a.m., triggering a firefight that lasted 15 minutes.

Killed was Pfc. Darylll Baldo, while Cpls. Michael Porten and Roman Clago were taken to a military hospital for treatment.