Soldier killed in Capiz encounter

CEBU, Philippines -  A Negrense soldier died in an encounter with suspected members of the New People's Army  at Barangay Roosevelt in Tapaz town of Capiz, Thursday morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Victor Llapitan, commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, identified the slain soldier as Private First Class Lowel John Bravo, 31, of Barangay Aguisan in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Llapitan said his troops were conducting peace and development activities in Roosevelt when they were fired upon by 10 rebels, believed to be members of the Tugalbong Platoon of the Central Front of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay of the NPA.

After the encounter, the soldiers scoured the site and saw blood stains along the NPA's route of withdrawal, believed to be those of the wounded rebels.

"We engaged the NPA bandits that resulted to the death of one of our soldiers. Our troops are there to help the local government in assisting the people to resolve the issues in their community and to further improve their lives," Llapitan said, adding that the soldiers are now pursuing the fleeing insurgents.

Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said: "We express our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of our slain soldier. He offered his life for the sake of the people. He will always be remembered as true hero and advocate of peace." (FREEMAN)