1 soldier killed in attack by suspected NPAs in Northern Samar

Two soldiers were attacked by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Las Navas town in Northern Samar, the military said on Thursday.

Corporal Jaype Malbas and Private First Class Rommel Debuton were on their way back to their station in Barangay San Miguel at 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday after buying some food from the market when they were fired at.

They were immediately rushed to the hospital, but Debuton did not survive.

The soldiers were part of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 20th Infantry Battalion in the area.

Pursuit operations are ongoing and Debuton's bereaved family will receive assistance from the government, the Armed Forces said.

The military reiterated that amid the attacks, they will continue to suppress lawless elements without let-up.

"Your Army will be more steadfast in its campaign, now, that we are under a state of national emergency, in suppressing lawless elements from sowing fear in the hearts and minds of vulnerable communities located in remote areas," said Major General Raul M. Farnacio, AFP Commander of the 81st Infantry Division.

Last week, Malacañang released Memorandum Order 32 directing the deployment of additional soldiers and policemen to Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and the Bicol region to suppress “lawless violence and acts of terror” and “prevent such violence from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the country.” — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News