2 hurt as Army, NPA clash in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): 2 hurt as Army, NPA clash in North Cotabato

MAKILALA, North Cotabato -- A New Peoples Army rebel and a soldier were hurt when government forces and communist rebels clashed in a remote village here Monday afternoon, authorities today said.

 

Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the 57th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers were patrolling in Sitio Tambis, Barangay Luayon, Makilala, North Cotabato at 3 p.m. when they chanced upon a group of rebels under Guerilla Front 72.

The clash left Private First Class Ryan Quiem-quime wounded and forced about five families to flee to safer grounds in Barangay New Baguio, Makilala, North Cotabato.

An NPA member was also wounded in the encounter but he and his companions fled deep into Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak where the rebels operate.

Sema said prior to the incident the Army have received an information about the presence of NPAs in Sitio Tambis mulcting farmers who are harvesting farm products.

He added the farmers have been complaining of regular and forced taxation by the rebels.

"They (NPAs) have been mulcting on hapless farmers," he said.

The military forces in the towns of Magpet, Makilala, Tulunan and Kidapawan City have been placed on heightened alert following a series of offensives launched by the NPA through roadside bombing, ambuscade and grenade attacks.

Civilians claimed the Army harassed the civilians in Sitio Tambis, Barangay Luayon but Sema denied the allegations claiming it was a legitimate Army operation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=551853