PARANAS: The Philippine Army is mourning the loss of a soldier who died during military operations against communist insurgents amid Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s impact in Paranas, Samar. The soldier, Private Boyet Bugtong, was found deceased in Anagasi village after being swept away by floodwaters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the body of Private Bugtong was discovered Thursday noon, a day after he went missing. The soldier was part of a team conducting focused military operations in response to recent sightings of rebels in the area, said Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson for the 8th Infantry Division. Capt. Mariano expressed the Army’s sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that Private Bugtong died in the line of duty.
During the storm, troops were also tasked with assisting villagers impacted by the severe weather conditions. Samar province, located in Eastern Visayas, was heavily affected by Kristine, which brought strong winds and floods. The storm impacted 528,103 people across 717 villa
ges, highlighting the widespread damage and disruption caused in the region.