6 soldiers hurt in rebel attack

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Six Army soldiers were wounded in an ambush by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on Thursday.

Reports said members of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion were on their way back to their headquarters when they were waylaid by the rebels in Baragay Bunawan Brooks at around 3:30 p.m.

The soldiers managed to fire back, forcing the rebels to flee.

Wounded were 2/Lt. Allen Cabanizas and Pfcs. Joemar Badulan, Michael Baring, Joemar Sitoy, Kim Aliver Plariza and Denan Llano. They were taken to a military hospital for treatment.

The rebels were believed to be members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Committee 14.

Meanwhile, another firefight erupted between the government security forces and the communist movement in Malimono, Surigao del Norte on Friday.

No one among the troopers was hurt in the encounter that occurred at the boundary of Bunyasan and Hanagdong villages.