The children identified as Andre Mercado, 12, and Leandro Alivio, 13, died when NPA terrorist attacked soldiers patrolling in the remote Roxas village in Catubig town on February 8. Two other civilians were wounded during the incident.
Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade civil-military officer, Capt. Valben Almirante, said the two victims were gathering coconuts during the attack.
Mercado died on the spot while Alivio succumbed to injuries after a few hours at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman town while undergoing treatment.
“Our patrolling troops were on the same location with the victims when the terrorist NPA launched an attack. We are on the area responding to reports that the NPA has been doing extortion activities,”