iKalinga soldier killed in Oriental Mindoro military-NPA clash

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A soldier from Kalinga is one of the three soldiers who were killed in the armed clash between the military and suspected members of the New People’s Army in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday morning, August 12, 2025.

The said fallen soldier was Corporal Charlie Lagasi of Malin-awa, Tabuk City. Lagasi was killed with his other colleagues, identified as Captain Marky John Alberto and Private Julian Oracion.

Reports from the army disclosed that the three were among the troops from the First Scout Ranger Regiment who launched a combat operation in Barangay Lantuyang 2, following reports on the presence of armed rebels in the area.

The operation resulted in a one-hour firefight between the government troops and the NPA members.

Unfortunately, the gunfight took the lives of the three soldiers and injured others from their side.

The Philippine Army, in a press statement on Tuesday, honored the heroism of the fallen troops and the gallantry of the wounded soldiers, saying their bravery will continue to fuel the military men in the fight to end terrorism in the country.

“Their bravery is a testament of their commitment to their sworn duty to protect the Filipino nation against any form of terrorism and violence, even in the farthest conflict-affected communities,” the Philippine Army wrote.