A soldier from Ilog town in Negros Occidental was killed when the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion encountered New People’s Army rebels at Sitio Agdalusan, Barangay Jayubo, Lambunao, Iloilo, on Tuesday, September 19.
Killed was PFC Mars A. Echevarria, while injured was PFC Jomarie C. Llesis from Cauayan, Negros Occidental, MGen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division Commander, said in a statement Wednesday.
Sison assured the family of Echevarria of the Army’s support.
He also assured Llesis that the Army will take care of him until he fully recovers.
“Appropriate medical treatment and other personal necessities will be accorded to PFC Llesis for him to immediately recuperate and recover. Likewise, we will ensure that PFC Echevarria will be given a decent burial and that his family gets the full benefits and assistance due to them,” Sison said.
“To these two brave and gallant soldiers who were more than willing to offer their lives and limbs to fulfill their solemn oath to protect the peace in this part of the region – you are worthy of emulation and exemplars of soldiery. We will be forever grateful for your sacrifices and selfless service to the people and the nation,” Sison said.
The 82nd Infantry Battalion soldiers responding to information from residents of the presence of the rebels conducting extortion activities were on their way to the area when they were fired upon by about 10 NPA fighters.
A 20-minute firefight ensued which resulted in the death of Echevarria and the injury of Llesis.
The Army reported that it seized two 5.56mm M-16A1 rifles, two .45 caliber M1911 pistols, and ammunition.
A cadaver of a male person, in his early 20s and about 5 feet 5 inches tall was found at least 700 meters away from the encounter site.
The unidentified victim, wrapped in a hammock and abandoned along the enemy’s route of withdrawal, is believed to be an NPA member involved in the encounter, the Army said.*