Soldier killed in Negros clash with Reds

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A soldier died in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Thursday.

The identity of the fatality was withheld pending notification of his family members.

The military said soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) and remnants of the South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor clashed in Sitio Taleo in Barangay Milagrosa.

Two .45-caliber pistols with three magazines and bullets, a hand grenade and personal belonging of the rebels were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Lt. Col. Michael Aquino, 11th IB commander, condemned the terroristic activities of NPA rebels in Negros Oriental, saying they are desperately trying to revive the ”dying communist ideology.”