SAMAR: 9 soldiers hurt in an encounter with rebels

TACLOBAN CITY – At least nine members of the Philippine Army were hurt in an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote barangay in San Jorge, Samar, Saturday.

According to Lt. Col. Rizaldo Laurena, Commanding Officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion that the troop was on its way to Barangay Bay-ang of the said town when they saw the armed group.

He said that improvised explosive device (IED) was thrown at the soldiers during the encounter where nine soldiers were injured.

However the Philippine Army is yet to determine the number of casualties from the rebel group.

The injured soldiers were immediately brought to the nearest hospital.