PNP-SAF members hurt in clash vs NPA

From ABS-CBN (Sep 17): 3 PNP-SAF members hurt in clash vs NPA

Three members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were wounded in an encounter with the Guerilla Front 53 of the New People's Army (NPA) in Sitio Natuntungan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato Tuesday morning.

The wounded PNP-SAF members were identified as Police Officer 2 Jop Limangan, PO2 Jhong Bilang, and PO2 Rudy Ticangen.

According to 57th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Nilo Vinluan, the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were conducting joint operations in Barangay Bagumbayan due to the alleged presence of NPA members in the area.

"Consistent naman kasi yung mga natatanggap natin na report eh. Yung mga sibilyan, matagal na silang umaalma sa panggigipit nung kabilang grupo," Vinluan said.

He noted, however, that the rebel group was also reported to be merging with some civilians in the area.

"Ngayon tinitingnan namin kung nag-merge sila sa civilian, na mukhang dito kami natatalo kasi we respect the human rights law. We respect the civilian [population]."

Magpet police chief Senior Inspector Reylan Mamon said six men are now under their custody after they were seen in the firefight site.

"For verification lang sila kung talaga bang resident sila sa area, kung wala ba silang mga outstanding warrant of arrest or any reklamo. Para lang malaman natin kung may participation sila sa incident," Mamon said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/17/14/3-pnp-saf-members-hurt-clash-vs-npa