An elite soldier from the Philippine Army (PA) was killed in a recent armed encounter between the military and suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Talakag, Bukidnon, the military confirmed Wednesday, June 16.
He was identified as Private First Class Reynaldo Angcon, a member of the 1st Special Forces Battalion based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Angcon and his comrades were conducting a focused military operation in Barangay Dominorog last Monday, June 14, when they encountered around 50 armed men.
A three-hour firefight ensued where Angcon sustained a gunshot wound on his lower right abdomen, the PA said.
Angcon was brought to a hospital but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctors.
"The Philippine Army expresses its condolences to the family of the bereaved soldier. We honor his sacrifice, bravery, and heroism," the PA said in a statement.