3 soldiers hurt in Army-NPA clashes; landmine found along Cotabato-Davao highway

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): 3 soldiers hurt in Army-NPA clashes; landmine found along Cotabato-Davao highway

Three soldiers were wounded when they encountered a group of communist guerillas in Barangay New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato, around 10:30 a.m., Monday, a military official said.

Lt. Nasrullah Sema, chief of the civil military operations of the 57th IB, identified the casualties as Cpl. Jonathan Santos, Cpl. Antonio Grafil, Jr., and Cpl. Allan Laurea, all from the 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company of the 6th Infantry Division.

Sema said the soldiers were conducting clearing operations along the boundary of Barangays New Israel and Bulatucan in Makilala town when they chanced at least 20 NPAs in the area.

Two hours later, elements of the Charlie Company of the 57th IB recovered along the Cotabato-Davao highway an anti-personnel mine, which weighed 10 kilos, a detonating cord and a 100-meter electrical wiring attached to it.

Sema hinted the landmine was placed along the highway not only to inflict injuries among the soldiers but also to commuters plying the Cotabato-Davao route. “If our troops did not recover the landmine, we’re certain it would cause death, injuries and damage to properties,” said Sema.

The troops were positioned on a higher ground when they recovered the explosive, he added.

Three weeks ago, armed fighting between the NPAs and government troops broke out in Barangay Kisante, which resulted to death of a soldier and the wounding of seven others.

Barangay Kisante is located next to Barangay New Israel. Armed skirmishes also ensued in Barangays Cabilao, Bato, and Old Bulatucan, all in Makilala town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=496405