8ID troops encounters NPA in Northern Samar, capture two rebels

By DPAO, 8ID PA
February 4, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Army troops operating in Northern Samar Province encountered New People’s Army members in a remote area of Barangay Imelda, Las Navas, Northern Samar early morning of February 3, 2015.

Based on the initial report from Lt. Col. Edgar R. Delos Reyes, Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion, his troops were conducting Peace and Security Operations when a concerned citizen informed them about the presence of NPA rebels at Barangay Imelda.

The troops immediately responded and proceeded to where the NPAs were last seen. Upon arriving at the vicinity of Barangay Imelda, the troops were fired upon triggering a 15 minute firefight until the NPAs withdrew.

The encounter resulted to the capture of two (2) unidentified NPA rebels who were left behind by their comrades. The two NPAs are still in the custody of the operating troops and will be handed over to PNP custody once extricated from the encounter site.

On the part of government troops, one soldier was critically wounded at the left chest and was immediately evacuated through a military helicopter. Unfortunately, he died on way to the hospital. The identity of the slain soldier is being withheld pending the notification of his family.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, 8ID Commander expressed his condolence to the bereaved family of the slain soldier and also expressed his appreciation to the efforts of other troops involved in the operation.