Army soldier, 2 CAA members killed by NPA rebels

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 9): Army soldier, 2 CAA members killed by NPA rebels

An Army soldier and two members of Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Active Auxiliary (CAA) were killed while an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were also reported killed or wounded when a fierce gun battle erupted in Purok 5, Sitio Log Deck, Barangay San Isidro, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Identities of the slain Army soldier and CAAs were not immediately available as of this posting but said another government trooper was wounded in the same gun battle and was immediately brought to a hospital for medical treatment.

The heavy gun battle took place while combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion (75th IB) were conducting foot security patrol, clearing and combat operations when they encountered some 50 heavily armed NPAs under certain Commanders “Wagdos” and “Dindo”.

The heavy gun battle started at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The NPA rebels were believed to be members of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The command and tactical monitoring centers of the Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade and Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) are still closely coordinating with the headquarters of the 75th IB to determine if the NPAs really utilized IEDs and landmines against the operating troops. If proven to be true, the use of landmines is a gross violation of the Geneva Convention and the accord signed by the government and the communist insurgents in 1998 banning both sides from using landmines.

Meanwhile, combat maneuvering troops of the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade is deployed in the battle area to beef up the pursuing troops of the 75th IB in Lianga.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/09/army-soldier-2-caa-members-killed-by-npa-rebels/