Soldier killed, another injured in clash with rebels in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY: A soldier died while another was injured in a recent clash between government forces and New People's Army (NPA) combatants in San Jorge, Samar, the Philippine Army reported on Thursday. Killed during the 45-minute firefight in remote Gayondato village on May 14, was Corporal Reycon Remedio, a native of Carigara, Leyte, who was hit on the left side of his head. Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Battalion clashed with remnants of the NPA sub-regional committee, the Eastern Visayas regional party committee. The military has intensified its operations in the area after residents reported sightings of armed rebels. 'Responding to the information, the troops moved to drive away the armed group. However, as they approached the area, they were fired upon by the rebels, resulting in the encounter,' the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division said in a statement. Troops were deployed to the community to facilitate the delivery of basic services to improve socio-economic development in the area. The mil itary earlier said there are efforts by the NPA to recover previously-influenced communities. Named after American soldier George Curn, San Jorge is a 4th-class town located 145 km. north of Tacloban, the regional capital. Source: Philippines News Agency