5 soldiers wounded in Surigao ambush

Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City, Philippines – Five soldiers were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a convoy of military vehicles in Sitio Subang Daan, Barangay Cantugas, Mainit, Surigao del Norte Wednesday evening.

Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, head of the Caraga police regional office, identified the wounded soldiers as Sgt Dela Bano; Private First Class Steve Gapoy; Pvt. April June Añasco; Pvt. Ryan Corton and Pvt. Michael Gonzaga of 30th Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army based in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte

A report of the Mainit police to Police Regional Office-13 stated that the military convoy was on its way to the 30th IB Army headquarters when attacked by NPA rebels.

An improvised explosive device attached to an electrical post exploded as the convoy was passing Sitio Subang Daan in Barangay Cantugas.

Police said a 10-minute gunfight also ensued.

Police are still investigating the incident. There were reports that some 50 armed men were seen “installing something” in the electrical posts along the road in Sitio Subang prior to the incident.