Soldier killed in Camarines Sur clash with Reds

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — A soldier was killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bato, Camarines Sur on Monday.

The fatality, 2nd Lt. Jason Frederick Pasco, platoon leader of the Bravo Company of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, died while being treated at the Sta. Maria Josefa Hospital Foundation in Iriga City.

Pfc. Reynaldo Aquino was wounded and brought to a hospital for treatment.

Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th Division public affairs officer, said the clash, which lasted for about 20 minutes, occurred in Barangay Mainit at about 5:15 p.m.

Pramis said the NPA guerrillas also suffered an undetermined number of casualties.