BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – A member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) died in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday in Barangay Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz.
Private First Class (PFC) Lowel John Bravo, 31, was a resident of Barangay Aguisan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
The encounter happened around 6 a.m.
An estimated 10 armed men from Tugalbong Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (CF, KR-P) shot the soldiers from the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB).
“We engaged the rebels, which resulted to the death of one of our soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan, commanding officer of the 61IB.
Llapitan claimed government troops also wounded some rebels, citing bloodstains in the scene of encounter and on the rebels’ withdrawal route.
“The NPA continue to deprive the people of Tapaz of a developed community. But this will not hamper our initiatives to provide the necessary assistance to the people so they would enjoy a peaceful and better life,” Llapitan added.
On the other hand, Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, instructed his troops to ensure the security of the people, adhere to the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and follow the rule of law.
“We express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of our slain soldier. He offered his life for the sake of the people. He will always be remembered as a true hero and advocate of peace,” Baladad said.
He sent additional troops in the area to run after the fleeing rebels./PN
