ILOILO CITY — A soldier was killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Capiz province on Monday, Aug. 25.
The fatality was identified as Sgt. Jhon Ray Coopera of the 12th Infantry Battalion (IB) and a native of Leganes town in Iloilo province.
Coopera died from a bullet wound on his lower abdomen during a follow-up operation against fleeing rebels in Tapaz town following a series of clashes during the weekend.
“We grieve the loss of Sgt. Coopera, a valiant warrior who sacrificed his life to bring peace to the people of Tapaz,” said Major Gen. Michael Samson, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
“His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor his memory and offer our deepest condolences to his bereaved family,” added Samson in a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
A soldier was wounded in the encounter.