BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – A tribesman was killed while scores were wounded when some 10 suspected New People’s Army members engaged a group of tribesmen headed by a certain Datu Bawang in a firefight on the eve of All Saints’ Day in Sitio Daldalikan Creek, Barangay Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.
Official report from the Caraga police regional information office identified the victim as Tata Hulasan, a member of Datu Bawang’s group.
Police and military reports claimed scores were wounded and killed on the New People’s Army side.
Police and military reports said Datu Bawang’s group was on their way when some 10 NPA rebels engaged them into a firefight which lasted for about two minutes.
The police and military report, however, did not indicate why a tribal group like Datu Bawang’s who was only on their way to their farm was armed with firearms and ammunitions as they engaged the rebel group.