THREE soldiers were killed and two others were wounded following a clash with members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Toboso, Negros Occidental early Saturday morning.
Second Lieutenant Revekka Roperos, 303rd Infantry Brigade public affairs office chief, said the encounter took place in Sitio Carbon, Barangay San Isidro around 6:45 a.m. Saturday, May 14.
The fatalities were identified as Private First Class (Pfc.) Reggie Taleon, Pfc. Teddie Alcallaga, and Pfc. Ramel Perasol, who are all members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion.
Roperos said Corporal Rosevil Villacampa and Pfc. Jethro Niervo were also wounded during the firefight.
The troopers were checking reports on the presence of armed men who were extorting food from residents of San Isidro village, when they encountered about 10 NPA rebels.
A 15-minute firefight ensued, killing three soldiers and wounding two others. It was not immediately known if there were also casualties among the rebels. (PNA)