Army officer killed in clash with Reds
The Eastern Mindanao Command said Relota died when the communists detonated a landmine. The attack also left two other soldiers wounded.
DAVAO CITY , Philippines — An Army officer was killed in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Paquibato district in this city on Thursday.
First Lt. Jarren Relota, 27, platoon leader of the Bravo Company of the 16th Infantry Battallion, and his men were checking the reported presence of NPA guerrillas in Sitio Quimbao, Barangay Mapula when they were fired at.
The Eastern Mindanao Command said Relota died when the communists detonated a landmine. The attack also left two other soldiers wounded.
“We grieve for the death of Lt. Relota. However, we salute his display of the finest tradition of soldiery and gallantry in pursuing peace and protecting the people of Paquibato. We hope that by his sacrifice, we will bring peace in the area,” Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, Joint Task Force Haribon chief, said.
The Pulang Bagani Command, one of the major NPA forces in Mindanao, is based in Paquibato.
Relota, a native of Antique, was the commanding officer of the Bravo Company since June.
He was commisioned into the regular force after finishing the officer candidate course in May 2013.
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