Soldier dies in clash

CEBU, Philippines - Fresh skirmish between Philippine Army soldiers and the New People’s Army rebels has claimed the life of a soldier.

Major Enrico Gil Elito, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division, identified the slain soldier as Private First Class Maximo Macolbacol, 26, of San Remigio town, Antique.

Macolbacol, together with troops of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion based in Calinog, Iloilo, led by Sgt. Jessie Silvestre, was conducting peace and development operations in Tapaz, Capiz when they encountered more than 10 rebels at Tacayan village at around 6:30 a.m. of Saturday.

Macolbacol was hit, and then airlifted by a chopper of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 6 to a hospital in Roxas City but he did not pull through.

“The incident was significant in our campaign for the security of Tapaz. We have done it with the help of the locals. With the difficult nature of the terrain and the small number of the armed group, it has always been a challenge for our soldiers. We appreciate the reports of their location coming in,” said 61st IB commander Lt. Col. Christopher Sab-it.

Sab-it also offered his condolences and sympathy to the family of Macolbacol. “He will be remembered as a soldier for peace of Tapaz town,” he added.  (FREEMAN)