2 Marines hurt in Sultan Kudarat ambush by New People's Army

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines — Two Marine servicemen were wounded in an ambush by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Kalamansig town here on Wednesday, the military reported yesterday.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) said the troopers, who belong to the 2nd Marine Battalion, were patrolling in Barangay Datu Ito Andong when the guerrillas waylaid them.

Major Arvin Encinas, public affairs officer of the 6th ID, said the guerrillas first detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) before firing at the soldiers.

Although outnumbered, the Marines managed to return fire and drive the enemies away.

Responding soldiers and militiamen recovered an IED along the rebels’ escape route.