Army hunting down NPAs who set off IED after clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): Army hunting down NPAs who set off IED after clash

Government forces are running after a band of communist rebels who set off improvised bombs following a 30-minute firefight in Arakan, North Cotabato Sunday afternoon, the Army here said.

"We have two wounded soldiers but we are convinced they have more casualties," Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, said.

He identified the injured soldiers as Pfc. Oliver Magbanua and Cpl. Abdullah Camsa, both of the 57th IB.

Camsa and Magbanua sustained multiple shrapnel injuries in different parts of their bodies.

The soldiers were on their way to Barangay Kabalantian, a hinterland community in Arakan after receiving information from villagers about the presence of about 20 NPAs.

Sema said the NPAs opened fire first on the patrolling soldiers, provoking a running gun battle when the guerrillas decided to retreat after running out of ammunition.

As the soldiers were chasing the rebels, two explosions occurred on the trail.“We have information they have wounded comrades they carried as they fled,” Sema said.

Lieutenant Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th IB commanding officer, said clearing operations are still on going to check on landmines believed to have been planted by the rebels as they fled toward the borders of North Cotabato and Bukidnon.

“The NPAs are known for planting explosives that can kill innocent civilians as retaliation for the losses they incur whenever they figure in encounters with the military,” Vinluan said.

Vinluan said his two wounded subordinates are now confined in a hospital, undergoing medication.

Sema said several families in the hinterland district of Arakan have been providing the Army with information about the presence of the rebels who have been mulcting them of their farm produce.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=597313