THE Philippine Army soldier killed in a gun battle with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Himamaylan City's Barangay Buenavista has been identified.
Based on information forwarded by the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB), the fatality was identified as Private First Class Joel Fariñas, while the two wounded were Sergeant Froilan Tosalem and Corporal Oliver Porten.
A follow-up search made by government forces yielded several ammunition, gun parts, and an electrical wire used for anti-personnel improvised explosive devices.
The 62IB also forwarded a copy of an extortion letter signed by NPA-Regional Taxation Group leader Armando Magbanua.
Earlier on Thursday, August 8, 62IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Igberto Dacoscos said he sent soldiers to the area of Barangay Buenavista after receiving complaints from local residents about the NPA's presence.
As they were patrolling the area, the soldiers encountered 20 NPA insurgents, prompting a gun battle.
Dacoscos said three NPA insurgents were killed in the battle, with numerous more believed to be wounded.
The conflict was the 12th recorded this year under the jurisdiction of the 303rd Infantry Brigade.