AT LEAST two government troops were killed and another injured in a firefight with the New People’s Army (NPA) at the remote barangay of Olera in Calbayog City, Samar, Friday, August 23.

The encounter also resulted to the death of two NPA rebels, said the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Vicente Lukban, Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City.

The incident happened at around 7:15 a.m. Friday while elements of 43rd Infantry Battalion were conducting operations at the vicinity of Barangay Olera.

Killed were Army Second Lieutenant Geroe Jade Nicor and Corporal Joelito Canico.

The wounded soldier was Corporal Eric Portalio.

The army recovered from the scene of encounter two units of M14 rifles.