TACLOBAN CITY - A twenty-two-year-old soldier was killed, while a civilian was wounded when troops of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion encountered a group of suspected Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNTs) Saturday (Feb. 5) along the hinterlands of Barangay Senonogan De Tubang, Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar.
The victim was identified as Private First Class John Jeffrey Dabalos. He was hit in the head which caused his death.
Erwin Dela Cruz, a civilian who was caught in the crossfire was also hit on his head but was immediately rescued by the troops.
The Joint Task Force STORM sent two Black Hawk helicopters to immediately evacuate the casualties.
Dela Cruz is now in stable condition while the cadaver of PFC Dabalos was brought to a funeral parlor for proper disposition of his remains before being turned over to his family.
According to reports, the troops were conducting regular patrols as part of security arrangements for the Community Support Program (CSP) Team in the said village when they were attacked by the alleged terrorists.
The army believes that the group of CNTs led by Acer Torcido, alias 'RR' who is frequently sighted and allegedly extorting money and food supplies from the people was behind the attack.
Meanwhile, Col Perfecto Peñaredondo MNSA PA, 803rd Brigade Commander, directed the immediate deployment of additional troops to pursue the fleeing CNT members.
He also expressed his condolences to the parents of the late PFC Dabalos for his heroism and gallantry in action in support of the attainment of lasting peace and development.