6 soldiers hurt in Digos clash with NPA

MANILA, Philippines - Six soldiers were hurt in a clash with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Digos City in Davao del Sur last Monday, a military official said.

Cpt. Ernest Carolina, spokesman of the Army’s 10th division, said the hour-long encounter took place around 2:30 p.m. in Sitio Lutangan in Barangay Kapatagan

“They (NPA) used landmines so six of our soldiers got wounded. One of our soldiers was declared missing but he was seen and fetched at around 10 p.m. yesterday (Feb. 11),” Carolina said. 

The soldiers who were injured during the clash were Sgt. Eliseo C Peraño, Cpl. Marcelino Bagood Jr., Pfc. Olomodin Dicampong, Pfc. Lory Kim Lacal, Pfc. Genesis Quilaton, and Pvt. Michael Guibao. The wounded military personnel were rushed to nearest hospital for treatment.

The soldier who was initially reported missing was identified as Cpl. Ricky Tuarez.

Carolina said they have received reports that at least two rebels were hit during the clash, which stemmed from the supposed efforts of the NPA to establish a mass base in the area.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Cpt. Alberto Caber said two M16 rifles, one AK47, one M4 rifle, three landmines, a cellular phone and subversive documents have been recovered from the insurgents.

He slammed the NPA for using landmines, noting that it violates the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law. – with Ruth Gita and Cherish Maglaque