Tacloban City, Aug. 5 -- A soldier and a police officer were honored for sacrificing their lives during and after recent clashes with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Corporal Arcel Sicnoy of the Philippine Army (PA) and Executive Master Sergeant Harry Palao-ay of the Philippine National Police were honored during a send-off ceremony at the 803rd Infantry Brigade (IB) headquarters in Catarman, Northern Samar Monday.

Sicnoy, 34, a native of Kabugao, Apayao, died when his team from the 803rd IB attacked the heavily fortified NPA hideout in the mountains of San Isidro village on July 31.

Palao-ay, a native of La Trinidad, Benguet, drowned on Aug. 2 when the motorboat carrying his team capsized while returning f...