AT LEAST one soldier was dead and six others wounded after an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Basey, Samar Friday, August 30.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar said the clash started when the platoon of of the 46th Infantry Battalion under 1st Lieutenant Reyzander Ga were conducting combat operations and encountered undetermined number of communist terrorist groups in Barangay Manlilinab, Basey town Friday afternoon.

While maneuvering during the firefight, an improvised explosive exploded resulting to the death of Army Corporal Tabanao.

Wounded were Corporal Rebato, Corporal Roma, Private First Class Plateja, Private First Class Dagaño, Private First Class Arcala, and Private First Class Endolos.

Dead and wounded from the enemy side were undetermined, the army said. (SunStar Philippines)