A SOLDIER was killed, while three suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA), including a 14-year-old female recruit, were captured during an encounter in Kananga, Leyte Sunday evening, September 13, 2020.

The fallen soldier was identified as Corporal Nicxon Tomenio.

A section of Bravo company from the Philippine Army's 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB) led by Second Lieutenant Aldren Altamerano was conducting focused military operations when they encountered more or less 10 communist rebels at 6:50 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Rizal, Kananga.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the enemies, believed to be remnants of FC-41, SRC Levox led by Juanito "Tibor" Selleza, withdrew toward north, stated a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas headquarters.

Pursuit operations by 93IB troops against the group also resulted in the capture of high-powered firearm AK-47, other war materials, subversive documents, and personal belongings, among others, in the vicinity of Sitio Bonute in Barangay Rizal.

Bloodstains were also seen in the area, the report stated.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, condemned the incident.

In a statement, the Army official also called for the "unity of all sectors of the society" to end the insurgency problem in the country. (SunStar Philippines)