1 soldier killed, 1 hurt in Ecija clash
CABANATUAN CITY – An Army soldier was killed while another was wounded during an armed encounter between government forces and members of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Kilusang Larangang Gerilya in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija on Thursday.
Killed was Private First Class Jaylord I. Hipolito, while wounded was PFC. Francis D. Lictawa, the Army’s 84th Infantry “Victorious” Battalion, reported.
Lictawa is now undergoing medication at the Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital inside the 7th ID (Infantry Division) military camp in Palayan City, said Lt. Col. Enrico Gil C. Ileto, 84th IB (Infantry Batallion) head.
Ileto said the armed encounter occurred at Sitio Mapedya, Bgy. Rio Chico, General Tinio at 10:00 a.m.
“We believe that the enemy also suffered a number of casualties,” the Army Lt. Col. said.
Ileto also condoled the bereaved family of the slain soldier, who paid the “ultimate sacrifice” in protecting the people.
Following the clash, General Tinio Mayor Isidro T. Pajarillaga immediately convened the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) and discussed ways and means to prevent things from escalating.
The MPOC warned residents and barangay health workers in Bgys. Nazareth, Palale, Rio Chico, and Pias “to not extend any help to the rebels”.
At the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO), newly-installed top cop Col. Richard V. Caballero said he also ordered the putting up of a blocking force consisting of the General Tinio and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company in Sitio Sibog, Bgy. Rio Chico, a possible “escape route” of the rebels.
