Soldier dies in NPA-AFP clash

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – An Army soldier died in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Mauban, Quezon at dawn yesterday.

The identity of the fatality was withheld pending notification of his family.

Capt. Mel Durante, Army spokesman, said soldiers of the 202nd Infantry Brigade were patrolling Sitio Bantigue, Barangay Cagsiay 2 at around 5:25 a.m. when they encountered the rebels while attempting to burn heavy equipment owned by Marc Built Construction Co.

Durante said an undetermined number of rebels were believed wounded, citing bloodstains along their escape route.

Pursuit operations for the NPA guerrillas are underway.