BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — An Army soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Boyuron, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday.
Three NPA guerrillas were also killed and several of their comrades wounded in the gunfight that lasted for more than 30 minutes, Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.
Arevalo identified the fatality from the government side as Pfc. Joel Farinas. Sgt. Froilan Tosalem and Cpl. Oliver Porten were wounded.
Arevalo said soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion were responding to the reported presence of NPA rebels when the clash occurred.
He said the communist rebels also set off an improvised landmine while escaping.
The military has intensified its offensive against NPA rebels in Negros following the killing of four police officers in Ayungon town last month.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said additional troops were deployed in the area to conduct pursuit operations. – Jaime Laude