A recent clash with members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in a remote area of Lambunao, Iloilo province, resulted in one Philippine Army soldier losing their life and another being wounded.
The soldiers, both from the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion, remain unnamed pending family notifications.
Recovered from the scene were two M16 rifles, one caliber .45 pistol, and several subversive documents abandoned by the CPP-NPA rebels, specifically the Baloy Platoon, Central Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.
Bloodstains were evident at the encounter site and along the withdrawal route of the rebels, suggesting potential casualties among their ranks, though no bodies were found.
The challenging mountainous terrain in Lambunao serves as a strategic route for the rebels to move undetected between regions, far from populated areas. The site of the clash is situated approximately 30 kilometers from the town center.
Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, emphasized the military’s commitment to ending the insurgency while minimizing casualties on both sides. He stressed the importance of achieving sustainable peace and fostering development to improve the quality of life in local communities. The wounded soldier will have their medical expenses covered, and the family of the deceased soldier will receive standard benefits provided to uniformed troops.
