2 slain, 2 hurt in Agusan clash

MANILA, Philippines – A soldier and a civilian were killed while two others were wounded in an encounter between Army troopers and New People’s Army rebels in Santiago, Agusan del Norte on Saturday.

The fatalities were identified as Sgt. Marlon Balais and civilian Pepito Tiambong.

Balais was a squad leader of the Army’s 29th Infantry Brigade, according to Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, chief of the 29th IB.

Aynera said Tiambong was caught in the crossfire along with two wounded civilians identified as Orly Cuyo and Samuel Escobido.

Reports said the soldiers were patrolling in a mining area in Sitio Sarog, Barangay San Isidro when they encountered the rebels.