Soldier killed in clash with NPA remnants in Capiz

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A soldier from Jaro, Iloilo City was killed following a series of armed encounters with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Tapaz, Capiz.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division hailed the heroism of Sgt. Jhon Ray Coopera, 37, of Barangay Bito-on, Jaro district.

In a statement, the 3rd ID leadership said Coopera, a member of the 12th Infantry Battalion, “made the ultimate sacrifice while defending peace against remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).”

He died from a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen.

According to reports, three armed clashes occurred on Aug. 25 at the tri-boundary of Barangays Agpalali, Artuz and Tabon, all in Tapaz town.

The first happened around 7:45 a.m. in Agpalali village and lasted for about 10 minutes.

Members of the 12th IB encountered about 10 remnants of the dismantled Central Front and Regional Sentro de Grabidad of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P).

It was during the second encounter, around 10:28 a.m., that Coopera was shot and killed.

The firefight lasted around 15 minutes.

Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta, 12th IB commander, said another soldier was also wounded during the same clash.

The unnamed Army sergeant was hit in the left shoulder and right hand.

Garsuta said the third encounter happened around noon.

It was gathered that the hinterland villages where the clashes occurred are around 15 kilometers apart, with no residents living nearby.

However, Garsuta said they had received reports of armed NPA activity from residents in surrounding villages.

He also believes the rebels may have suffered casualties.

The same NPA group is believed to have been involved in an earlier encounter on the morning of Aug. 22 at Barangay Tabon.

Soldiers were able to seize five firearms.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, expressed deep sorrow and profound respect for Sgt. Coopera’s courage and dedication.

“We grieve the loss of Sgt. Coopera, a valiant warrior who sacrificed his life to bring peace to the people of Tapaz,” Samson said.

“His sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor his memory and offer our deepest condolences to his bereaved family.”

He assured the family and the people of Western Visayas that Coopera’s death would not be in vain.

“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 Sgt. Coopera’s legacy forward with steadfast determination,” he added.

Samson also assured that the Philippine Army will provide full support to both Sgt. Coopera’s family and the wounded soldier.