AN Army soldier died in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who were allegedly conducting extortion activities in Laur, Nueva Ecija last Sunday.
The Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) named the soldier as Private First Class Sher Nelson Casayuran, detailed with the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion.
Casayuran was brought to the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City for injuries he sustained during the firefight but was declared on arrival.
Maj. Jimson Masangkay, the 7th ID spokesman, said 84th IB soldiers were deployed to Barangay San Fernando in Laur last Sunday after they received information about the presence of rebels involved in extortion.
A firefight broke out at 5 p.m. between the soldiers and around 10 rebels, said Masangkay. The rebels fled after a 30-minute exchange of fire.
Masangkay said the encounter site is about 20 to 25 kilometers away from the 7th ID headquarters at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
“We suffered one wounded. Unluckily, he didn’t make it to the hospital,” said Masangkay, referring to Casayuran.
Masangkay disputed reports that spread on social media that four soldiers and seven civilians died in the clash.
He said bloodstains were found at the enemy positions, indicating that some of the rebels were wounded or have died in the encounter.
Maj. Gen. Andrew Costello, 7th ID commander, said the 7th ID soldiers “mourn for the loss” of Casayuran.
“His bravery, dedication, and heroism will not be forgotten as he offered his ultimate sacrifice just to protect the people of Laur,” said Costello.
Costello said the supreme sacrifice of Casayuran will serve as an inspiration to 7th ID troops in giving their best to ensure peace and security in Central Luzon.
Costello said government troops will be relentless in pursuing the fleeing rebels.
