GEN. TINIO, Nueva Ecija – A soldier was killed and another was wounded in a clash between troopers from the Army's 84th Infantry Battalion and New People's Army rebels in Barangay Rio Chico this municipality at about 10 a.m. Thursday, the military said.
Pvt. Jaylord Hipolito was killed while PFC Francis Lictawa was given first aide and
airlifted for further medication to Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital, report said.
Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, 84IB commanding officer, vowed to continue the relentless focused military operation in the area as pursuing troopers expressed belief that "several members of the NPA were wounded in the encounter." "We believe that the enemy also suffered a number of casualties. Malaking dagok itong enkwentro na ito laban sa teroristang NPA na matagal nang namamayagpag sa gahaman na panlilinlang sa mga locals sa kabundukan ng Barangay Rio Chico. Simula na ito ng tuluyan nilang pagbagsak," Ileto said.
He also extended "deepest condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the soldier who offered the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our people against the
terrorist group."
"Ipinaparating namin ang aming pakikiramay sa pamilya ng sundalong nasawi. Ang kanyang pagkamatay para sa kapayapaan at kaayusan para sa mamamayan ay hinding-hindi namin makakalimutan. Saludo kami sa iyo!" Ileto said.
