The two soldiers who were killed in a series of enounters with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental from Oct. 6 to 8 were from Iloilo and Guimaras.
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), through its 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde), released on Monday, Oct. 10, the names of those who died and were wounded.
The casualties were identified as Corporal Christian P. Drilon of San Enrique town and Corporal Rex G. Verde of Jordan town.
The wounded personnel were Corporal Joey Gardose, Private First Class (PFC) Rolly Rama, PFC June Fuentes, PFC Wilson Liander, Private Wilchor Recaña, and Sergeant Edgiel Ucag.
Government troopers recovered ammunition, firearms, gun parts, backpacks, personal belongings, and subversive documents left behind by fleeing NPA rebels.
According to 303IBde, an undetermined number of NPA insurgents were also killed in the running gunbattle, with dozens believed to be wounded, as evidenced by the traces of blood in the combat zone.
Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303IBde, condoled with the families of the fallen two soldiers for their heroism and gallantry and paid the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and security of Negros Island.
“Despite the loss of our heroic soldiers, your Army in Negros will remain steadfast in defending the peace against the CPP-NPA Terrorists,” he said.IMT
