ILOILO City – A soldier was killed while another was wounded following a series of clashes between government troops and communist rebels in Tapaz, Capiz.
The fatality was identified as Sergeant Jhon Ray Coopera, a native of Barangay Bitoon, Jaro, Iloilo City. The other soldier, also with the rank of sergeant under the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB), sustained injuries.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), the encounter took place around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, August 25, in Barangay Agpalali, Tapaz, while soldiers of the 12IB were conducting follow-up operations.
The troops clashed with around 10 armed men believed to be members of the Central Front and Regional Sentro de Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P). During the firefight, Coopera was fatally hit in the lower stomach, while another soldier was wounded. The latter is now in stable condition in a hospital.
Lamzon said Monday’s incident was connected to an earlier clash on August 22 in the barangays of Agpalali, Artuz, and Tabon. One soldier, with a rank of private, was also wounded.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating offensive operations against these armed men. Unluckily, one of our soldiers was killed. Dalawang encounter ang nangyari nitong Lunes kung saan isa pa nating sundalo ang bahagyang nasugatan,” Lamzon reported.
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3ID, expressed grief over the death of Coopera and lauded his bravery.
“We grieve the loss of Sergeant Coopera, a valiant warrior who sacrificed his life to bring peace to the people of Tapaz. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor his memory and offer our deepest condolences to his bereaved family,” Samson said.
He assured that Coopera’s death would not be in vain, adding that his heroism further strengthened the Army’s commitment to defeating communist terrorist groups in Panay.
“His heroism will strengthen our unwavering resolve to totally eliminate the remaining CTG remnants and end their terroristic acts. The fight for peace continues, and we will carry Sergeant Coopera’s legacy forward with steadfast determination,” Samson added.
Samson also guaranteed that the Philippine Army will extend full support to Coopera’s family and the wounded soldiers./PN
