Soldier, suspected NPA killed in two clashes in Himamaylan

HONOR. The Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers honor the heroism of Corporal Rodney Luces, who died in an encounter with rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental June 9. (Contributed Photo)
HONOR. The Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers honor the heroism of Corporal Rodney Luces, who died in an encounter with rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental June 9. (Contributed Photo)

AN ARMY trooper and a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in two separate encounters in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on June 9, 2021.

Army Corporal Rodney Luces, member of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, died during the first gun battle against the NPA in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan, Major Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, confirmed.

Injured during the incident was Private First Class Kiel Charles Pama, said Colonel Norberto Barniso, officer-in-charge of the Himamaylan City Police Station.

In a statement released to the media, the 62nd Infantry Battalion said Luces died while protecting Himamaylanons from the terroristic activities of the NPA.

He was declared dead at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City after he and Pama were both airlifted by an Air Force helicopter from the encounter site.

Pama is now in stable condition, Pancito said.

Meanwhile, pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels led to another gun battle in Purok Galaupan, also in Barangay Carabalan.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said a member of the NPA died during the second encounter and his body was left behind by his fleeing comrades.

The identity of the suspected NPA member has not been established, as of this time.

Pasaporte said seven backpacks containing personal belongings were recovered from the encounter site.

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