A SOLDIER died, while another was wounded in an encounter with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels on September 26 in Mountain Province.
Brigadier General Henry Doyaoen, commanding officer of the 503rd Infantry Division, identified the fatality as Corporal Jordan Manawa.
He said the wounded soldier was rushed to Camp Upi Division Headquarters in Isabela Province.
Based on Army accounts, the troops received reports from civilians about the presence of armed individuals in Barangay Aguid in Sagada.
"Upon receiving the report, soldiers, together with PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel, went to check [on] the report of the civilians which turned out to be positive. And upon recovering of AFP personnel of the said land mines, an encounter ensued, killing one of our soldiers and wounding another," Dayaoen said.
Doyaoen said while the people are supportive of the government's wish to finish the insurgency problem, rebel groups continue to conduct questionable activities and take advantage of the youth by using them in their criminal activities.
Leonardo Pacsi Command spokesperson Ka Magno Udyaw, meanwhile, said the attack was a response against the government's intensified all-out war against the Duterte administration.
"Sa bulag na pagnanais na puksain ang paglaban ng mamamayan, inaarangkada ng rehimen at ng armadong pwersa nito ang Oplan Kapanatagan. Tiyak na bibiguin ito ng mamamayan at ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, katulad ng ipinamalas ng matagumpay na aksyong militar ng Leonardo Pacsi Command laban sa mga nanghimasok na tropa ng Charlie Company, 50th Infantry Battalion sa Aguid, Sagada, Mt. Province noong Setyembre 26, alas-onse ng umaga," Pacsi said in a statement.