Reds attack Army outpost in Surigao Sur

BAROBO, Surigao del Sur — At least 10 communist rebels were wounded in a firefight that ensued when they attacked an Army outpost in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur yesterday morning, reports said.

Witnesses said the rebels carried their wounded comrades as they fled after nearly three hours of firefight with soldiers and militiamen manning the detachment in Sitio Tandawan, Barangay Bilaan.

Col. Charles Sanchez, commanding officer of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Division, belied the New People’s Army’s claim that the militiamen ran away during the attack.

"The truth is my men fought valiantly although they were surrounded," Sanchez said. — Ben Serrano, Lino de la Cruz