Lumad hurt in attack

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jul 3): Lumad hurt in attack

A LUMAD was wounded after an attack staged by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) at Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod.

The victim was identified as Puloy Bago, 55.

In a statement sent to Sun.Star Davao through email from the 68th Infantry Battalion, the victim was reportedly walking outside his house when several armed men opened fire at him.

The victim, who sustained gunshot wounds on his thighs, was rescued by officers of the Peace and Development Team (PDT) led by Corporal Roland Pamposa.

Authorities said the PDT applied first aid on the victim but Bago was transferred to the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City.

PDT conducted pursuit operation but the members of the communist group withdrew toward Sitio Dulyan.

Lieutenant Colonel Zosimo Oliveros, commanding officer of the 68th Infantry Battalion, said: "As the quest for peace in Talaingod, through the Peace and Development Outreach Program, is gaining headway, the NPAs are trying to disrupt it by sowing fear among the civilians. Nevertheless, the strong partnership between the LGU and tribal leaders will be more than enough to quash efforts of the rebels to regain their mass base support."

"Without the masses, the rebels cannot survive, and this incident just showed the NPAs' penchant for lawlessness that will make them all the more unpopular to the local populace," said Oliveros.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/07/03/lumad-hurt-attack-416845