From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5): Soldier hurt, 50 families flee as Army clashes with NPA in NorCot
A soldier was wounded while three NPAs were seriously hurt when government forces clashed with communist guerillas in the hinterlands ofNorth Cotabato Wednesday, authorities here said.
The clash erupted at about 1 p.m. which also forced about 50 families to flee their homes.
Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, said the NPAs were using complete Army uniforms when they entered thevillage of New Baguio , Makilala, North Cotabato and harassed civilians
One soldier was wounded, Sema said, adding that the communist guerillas fled with their three wounded comrades deep into the forest.
He said village officials alerted the Army about the presence of the NPAs.
Eddie Buencosa, Makilala disaster risk reduction and management council officer, said the affected families were from Barangay Tambis, Barangay New Baguio, Makilala where elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion and NPAs clash at about noon Wednesday.
Buenacosa said the local government of Makilala is now attending to the needs of the displaced families who fled to nearby villages.
Sema said residents tipped off the Army about the presence of soldiers believed to be responsible in the ambush last October of government forces that left nine soldiers and para military personnel killed.
Sema said before the skirmishes Wednesday have been calling for the removal of soldiers in Barangay Baguio.
“They want us out of the village because they sympathize with the NPAs,” Sema said in response to calls for the re-position of the military.
“Our operation continues,” Sema said.
Sema said that communist sympathizers wanted the Army out of the village so they can continue mulcting farmers of their newly harvested products.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=593808
A soldier was wounded while three NPAs were seriously hurt when government forces clashed with communist guerillas in the hinterlands of
The clash erupted at about 1 p.m. which also forced about 50 families to flee their homes.
Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, said the NPAs were using complete Army uniforms when they entered the
One soldier was wounded, Sema said, adding that the communist guerillas fled with their three wounded comrades deep into the forest.
He said village officials alerted the Army about the presence of the NPAs.
Eddie Buencosa, Makilala disaster risk reduction and management council officer, said the affected families were from Barangay Tambis, Barangay New Baguio, Makilala where elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion and NPAs clash at about noon Wednesday.
Buenacosa said the local government of Makilala is now attending to the needs of the displaced families who fled to nearby villages.
Sema said residents tipped off the Army about the presence of soldiers believed to be responsible in the ambush last October of government forces that left nine soldiers and para military personnel killed.
Sema said before the skirmishes Wednesday have been calling for the removal of soldiers in Barangay Baguio.
“They want us out of the village because they sympathize with the NPAs,” Sema said in response to calls for the re-position of the military.
“Our operation continues,” Sema said.
Sema said that communist sympathizers wanted the Army out of the village so they can continue mulcting farmers of their newly harvested products.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=593808