3 soldiers die in clash with NPA rebels in Oriental Mindoro
CITY OF CALAPAN—Three soldiers, including an Army captain, were killed while three others were wounded in a firefight with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday.
The clash broke out around 6 a.m. at Sitio Lantuyan in Barangay Dulangan 2 after troops from the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2nd ID) launched an operation based on reports of NPA presence in the area.
The operation was launched following an Aug. 9 clash, in which soldiers recovered several weapons and supplies abandoned by fleeing rebels.
Honoring fallen heroes
Military reports identified the slain soldiers as Capt. Marky John Alberto, Cpl. Charlie Lagasi, and Pvt. Julian Oracion, all from the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment.
The firefight lasted for more than an hour before the rebels retreated, leaving behind personal belongings and documents. The wounded soldiers were taken to nearby hospitals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, acting commander of the 2nd ID, said: “This tragedy is heavy for all of us, but it only strengthens our resolve. The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA continues to threaten lives, exploit civilians, and stand in the way of the progress our people deserve. We will not let them succeed. We remain determined to bring lasting peace to Mindoro and end this decadeslong insurgency.”
“To the families of our fallen heroes, we grieve with you. We will honor their memory by pressing on—stronger than ever—until the people of Mindoro can live free from fear and in peace,” Zagala said. —REPORTS FROM MADONNA T. VIROLA AND IRE JOE V.C. LAURENTE
