Government troops clash with mayor's rebel captors

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Government troops caught up with the communist insurgents who seized the mayor of Lingig, Surigao del Sur and his two military escorts, in Cateel, Davao Oriental last Thursday morning, police and military reports said.

The encounter triggered an exchange of gunfire lasting for more than three hours, resulting in the wounding of four soldiers and a number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, the reports said.

Eight rebels, including three female fighters, either surrendered or were captured, the reports added.

Mayor Henry Dano and his two military escorts were snatched from the former’s house in the coastal village of Sabang in Lingig town early morning of July 30.

Soldiers recovered several firearms after the clash. – Ben Serrano, Jaime Laude