Soldier killed in Quezon clash with NPA rebels

GEN. NAKAR, Quezon- A soldier was killed when the Philippine Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion (92IB) clashed twice against suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Dadyangao and Sitio Madaraki in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar, Quezon on Sunday.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher M. Diaz, commanding officer of the 92IB said that the soldiers were in the area after an intelligence report and tip-off from civilians indicated that a group of armed rebels were extorting rice and money from the Dumagats.

The soldiers clashed with the rebels at around 10:40 a.m.

After the 20 minute skirmish, Private James Lanes, 24, from Sultan Kudarat lay dead.

The military said the rebels likely suffered heavy casualties as well due t9o heavy blood stains spotted in ther popsition during the encounter.

An hour later, the soldiers again clashed with the rebels in Sitio Madaraki, where blood stains were also spotted in the rebels’ position before retreating.

“They are now running out of ammunition with the recent two encounters; they are now tired and they have wounded comrades. We will pursue these NPA remnants until they are destroyed,” Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr. commander of the 202nd Brigade said.

Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, the Philippine Army’s Second Division commander extended his condolences to the family of the slain soldier.

“Rest assured that his bravery and heroism will be treasured and will never be forgotten. His example and sacrifice will continue to inspire us to strive more in our mission of protecting the people against all NPA threats and coercion especially of the Dumagat IP in Quezon”, Parayno added.

Pursuit operations against the rebels are ongoing.