ILOILO CITY – Three soldiers were killed while two others were injured in a clash with the New People’s Army in Toboso, Negros Occidental yesterday.
Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, spokesman of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division, identified the casualties as Privates First Class Teddie Alcallaga, Ramel Perasol, and Reggie Taleon.
Wounded were Corporal Rosevil Villacampa and PFC Jethro Niervo.
Tiongson said the encounter between the NPA and the Alpha Co. of the Army 62nd Infantry Battalion happened at around 6:45 a.m.
Tiongson said the troops were in Sitio Carbon, Barangay San Isidro, responding to reports from civilians of alleged extortion from the NPA when they encountered an estimated 10 NPA rebels.
The firefight ensued for 15 minutes.
Col. Francisco Delfin, commander of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, has ordered all Army chiefs on Negros island to be on alert and extra vigilant after the incident. (Tara Yap)
