Militiaman hurt in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 13): Militiaman hurt in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte

A militiaman was seriously hurt after 20 heavily-armed rebels encountered their peace and development team in Sitio Paiton, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte last Thursday.

Reports forwarded by 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Ernest Carolina Saturday said the incident took place around 9: 10 a.m.

He identified the wounded militiaman as Angelito P. Togcos, a member of the 68th Infantry Battalion peace and development team.

Carolina said Tagcos and other soldiers were conducting needs assessment survey in the area as part of coordinated efforts with the local government, when the 20 rebels appeared out of nowhere and fired on the group.

In the initial burst of gunfire, Tagcos was hit, prompting his companions to maneuver defensively and fire back at the rebels.

The firefight lasted for an hour resulting in an undetermined number of casualties for the rebel force who retreated in different directions.

Carolina said Tagcos was immediately airlifted to the Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City for treatment and is now in stable condition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=683856