Four soldiers were killed while eight others, including a
militiaman, was wounded during a clash with an estimated 50 New People's Army
(NPA) men in Sitio Islid, Barangay Dalagdag, Calinan District, Davao City
10th Infantry Division spokesperson 1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra,
in a belated report, said the encounter took place 9: 45 a.m. as troopers from
the 69th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine patrols in the locality
following reports that a huge number of armed men were massing in the area.
Upon reaching Sitio Islid, the troops chanced upon an
estimated 50 NPA bandits believed to be under Pulang Bagani Command-1, Southern
Mindanao Regional Committee, triggering an intense fire fight.
Despite the superior number of the rebel forces, government
troops bravely returned fire while taking defensive positions.
Lacambra said the rebels made several attempts to overwhelm
the outnumbered troopers but were beaten every time, resulting in numerous
casualties to the NPAs.
However, after 45 minutes of combat, the rebels retreated,
taking with them their dead and wounded.
Government losses in the encounter were placed at four
soldiers and eight others wounded, including a militiaman.
Lacambra said the wounded soldiers were brought to Panacan Station
Hospital while the bodies of the slain
soldiers were brought to Villa Funeral Homes in Davao City
Their families are yet to be notified.
“While we grieve with their families, this display of
bravery and heroism by our men will inspire us more to serve and protect our
country and people,” 69th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Rodney Intal
said.
In a separate incident around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, three
soldiers were also killed and another was wounded in a fire fight between 57th
Infantry Battalion and undetermined number of NPA bandits at vicinity Brgy
Kabalantian, Arakan North Cotabato.
Soldiers are now pursuing the bandits.
Meanwhile, Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año, 10th Infantry Division
commander, has ordered his men to intensify combat operations against lawless
armed groups to thwart NPA terror plans in the communities.
“Despite the risks, we will remain steadfast in our resolve
to keep our civilian communities safe from the threats of lawless armed
elements such as the CPP-NPA," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759581
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