DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A member of a government militia was wounded when at least 20 New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas attacked a peace and development team from the Army’s 68th Infantry Batallion in Talaingod town, Davao del Norte yesterday.
Angelito Togcos was airlifted to the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Hospital in this city for treatment.
The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) spokesman, Capt. Ernest Carolina, said the troops were conducting a survey in Barangay Dagohoy when they were attacked.
The soldiers managed to retaliate, forcing the rebels to retreat after an hour-long firefight. The troops remained in the area to ensure the safety of the residents, he said.
Maj. Gen. Eduard Año, commander of the Army’s 10th ID, said the attack showed that the rebels do not want peace and development in the area.