GOVERNMENT forces encountered a group of communist rebels in Rodriguez, Rizal yesterday, leaving one soldier dead.

Rodriguez police chief Supt. Rommel Estolano identified the slain trooper as Private First Class Rene Lacquio, a member of the Army 85th Infantry Brigade based in Lopez, Quezon.

The soldiers led by 2 Lt. Rayli Sayonyan were conducting routine patrol at Sitio Balagbag, Barangay San Isidro when they chanced upon the rebels, triggering an exchange of gunfire killing Lacquiao.

His comrades brought him to an infirmary in Kasiglahan Village, Barangay San Jose where he was declared dead on arrival.                Alvin Murcia