 |
| A young soldier was killed and a civilian was injured in a clash between government troops and NPA members early Saturday morning, February 5. |
TACLOBAN CITY – A young soldier was killed, and a civilian was wounded in a confrontation between government troops and members of the New People's Army (NPA) on Saturday morning at approximately 6:50 a.m., February 5, according to 803rd Infantry Brigade.
Troops of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion patrolling the hinterlands of Barangay Senonogan De Tubang, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar came across a group of Communist New People's Army Terrorists (CNTs).
A twenty-two-year-old soldier was killed when hit by enemy fire, and a civilian was wounded.
According to reports from the Commanding Officer of 19IB, the troops conducted routine patrols supporting the Community Support Program (CSP) Team in Barangay Senonogan de Tubang when terrorists attacked them.
Due to the terrorists' surprise attack, Private First Class John Jefrey G Dabalos was hit in the head and died, while Mr. Erwin Dela Cruz, a civilian caught in the crossfire, was also slightly hit on the head but was quickly rescued by the troops.
The attack is believed to have been carried out by a group led by Acer Torcido alias RR, who is frequently spotted extorting money and food supplies from residents in the area.
The Joint Task Force STORM later dispatched two (2) Black Hawk helicopters to evacuate the casualties immediately. Mr. Dela Cruz is currently stable, while PFC Dabalos's cadaver has been transported to a funeral parlor for proper disposition before being turned over to his family.
Col. Perfecto Pearedondo, Commander of the 803rd Brigade, conveyed his condolences to the parents of the fallen soldier for their son's heroism to support the attainment of lasting peace and development. —Tacloban News Update (Source: 803RD Brigade - Peacemaker 8ID, PA)