Death toll in Davao del Sur NPA attacks rises to 10 as pursuing troops ambushed

From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Death toll in Davao del Sur NPA attacks rises to 10 as pursuing troops ambushed



(UPDATE 2 - 3:28 p.m.) The death toll from New People’s Army operations in Davao del Sur province on Friday that began with the foiled attempt to overrun a town police station rose to 10 when the rebels ambushed pursuing soldiers.

At least six soldiers died and eight others were wounded when a rebel blocking force detonated a landmine in Barangay Asbang that struck a KM250 truck ferrying troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion to Barangay Dunganpekong in Matanao town to take part in the pursuit of the rebel band that had tried to storm the municipal police station around 4:30 a.m.

Troops of the battalion manning a checkpoint by in Barangay Savoy, also in Matanao, had earlier apprehended 9 suspected guerrillas, who were reportedly retreating after failing to overrun the town police station.

The rebels who attacked the police station left two policemen dead -- Police Officer 1 Manolo Booc and PO3 Danny Moalong -- and three others -- Inspector Renato Uy, PO1 Gilbert Legaspi, and PO1 Sherwin Cadungog -- wounded.

Troops who responded killed two rebels, one of who was identified as Eleazar de Asis Romero by Captain William Alfredo Rodriguez, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division.

Earlier, Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebels who attacked the police station belonged to NPA Front 72.

The rebels, who were clad in camouflage uniforms, arrived on an Elf truck, a jeep and motorcycles.

The Tactical Operations Group 11 of the Philippine Air Force sent two MG520 attack helicopters to provide air support for pursuing ground troops.
Two UH-IH helicopters were also sent to provide support.

The rebels are believed to belong to the NPA's Front 72 Mt. Alip Command led by Felix Armodia, alias Ka Jing, who in December vowed to launch more rebel offensives.

Monday’s raid came several days after another NPA unit from the Southern Mindanao Party Command exploded a landmine in the nearby town of Bansalan, wounding 11 soldiers of the 39th IB and five civilian members of the Davao del Sur provincial rescue and disaster management coordinating council.

The Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA has apologized for the injuries to the civilians.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82357/death-toll-in-davao-del-sur-npa-attacks-rises-to-10-as-pursuing-troops-ambushed