COTABATO CITY ,Philippines – The military was forced to use its SF-260 attack planes against suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who attacked the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) in Barangay Sampaguita in Kibawe town yesterday.
Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias, spokesman for the 4th ID, said the Air Force bomber was deployed after three hours of ground fighting.
Osias said at least 15 rockets were fired by the SF-260 planes.
”The SF-260 aircrafts were called in at around 9:20 a.m. to provide air cover for the troops,” Osias said.
The rebels fled, leaving behind bags containing subversive documents, assorted gun parts and ammunitions, including landmines.
Several hours later, members of the Army’s 75th IB engaged in a firefight with NPA rebels in Barangay Anomar in Surigao City yesterday.
Pfc. Victor Damaso was wounded in the encounter.
The NPAs retreated to another barangay when additional Army units were deployed in the area.