Las navas: A soldier and a police officer were honored for sacrificing their lives during and after recent clashes with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

According to Philippines News Agency, Corporal Arcel Sicnoy of the Philippine Army and Executive Master Sergeant Harry Palao-ay of the Philippine National Police were honored during a send-off ceremony at the 803rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Catarman, Northern Samar. Sicnoy, aged 34 and a native of Kabugao, Apayao, lost his life when his team from the 803rd Infantry Brigade attacked a heavily fortified NPA hideout in the mountains of San Isidro village on July 31.

Palao-ay, hailing from La Trinidad, Benguet, drowned on August 2 when the motorboat carrying his team capsized while returning from processing a crime scene related to an armed encounter in San Isidro village. The ceremony featured full military honors, tributes, and prayers from their comrades, officers, and loved ones. A 21-gun salute was performed, serving as a gesture of respect for the fallen.

Soldiers initiated the operation in San Isidro village after receiving information from a concerned civilian that a group of armed men was conducting extortion activities and threatening farmers in the area, which is known as an NPA stronghold. The two clashes resulted in the deaths of eight NPA combatants, including key leaders of the regional guerrilla unit of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Following the clashes, soldiers recovered five M16 rifles, two R4 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, a K3 light machine gun, and an additional M16 rifle.