Rebel killed, soldier hurt in Iloilo clashes

ILOILO CITY, Philippines –  A New People’s Army member was killed, while a soldier was wounded after two encounters in Tubungan town, 40 kilometers south of this city.

Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, only identified the fatality as a certain Rok-Rok, reportedly a remnant of the NPA’s Southern Front group.

The incident also injured Corporal Paul Saldo of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, based in Miag-ao, Iloilo, who was hit on the right side of his belly. He was immediately evacuated from the encounter site and brought to a hospital in Iloilo City. He is now on stable condition.

Tiongson said the first encounter happened around 4:30 a.m. Monday at Barangay Ambarihon, where 82nd IB soldiers where conducting security patrol and encountered around five rebels. The five-minute firefight injured Saldo.

At 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, the government troops clashed with the same rebels, re-enforced by around four others, at the boundary of barangays Buenavista and Batga, near Ambarihon. It was at this encounter when Rok-Rok was killed.

Tiongson said 82nd IB soldiers recovered an M-16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, several ammunition, rifle grenades, and personal belongings.

Lieutenant Colonel Enriqueto Deocadez Jr., 82IB commander, said they have been receiving reports of the rebels extortion activities in the area. “They coerced residents to give them money and food supplies,” he said.