A GOVERNMENT soldier was killed in another firefight between the military and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Tuesday morning, Oct. 9.
The slain soldier was an army corporal under the 8th Infantry Battalion.
The military withheld his identity pending notification of his immediate family.
Captain Normal Tagros, civil-military operations officer of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the troops were conducting security patrol in the area as part of the focused military operation when they encountered around 10 rebels belonging to the Guerilla Front 4B for about 10 minutes.
Tagros said the soldiers were responding to reports of the residents about the presence of armed individuals in their community who allegedly conduct extortion and recruitment activities.
The military is verifying reports of casualties on the enemy's side as traces of blood were seen along the withdrawal route of the NPA members.
"Wala nay lain casualties sa atong tropa. Nahitabo ni halos dungan atong encounter sa Pangantucan, Bukidnon kung asa dunay NPA member nga namatay," Tagros said.
Tagros said subversive documents and empty shells of AK47 and M16 rifle were recovered at the clash site.
Tagros assured the community that the government security forces are delivering its best efforts to maintain peace and security especially in communities threatened by armed groups.
"Kini nga hitabo dili makapugong sa atong paningkamot nga makahatod og serbisyo sa katawhan ilabi na security patrol and community support programs uban sa LGUs ug sa atong police counterparts,"Tagros said.