NPAs waylay troops securing Davao health workers

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels yesterday ambushed government troops providing security to hospital workers in the hinterlands of Marilog district this city.

According to the Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion, the soldiers were on a convoy to pick up the medical personnel of the Marilog District Hospital who were on a three-day medical and feeding mission in Barangay Gumitan when they were waylaid, said Lt. Col. Gabriel Viray, 84th IB commander.

“The soldiers were able to retaliate which resulted in a 30-minute firefight,” he said.

Viray said two soldiers, S/Sgt. Albert Pamitan and Pfc. Ferdinand Causon, suffered minor injuries and were rushed to the Robillo District Hospital in Calinan district.

“Despite the incident, our desire to reach out to the people and provide security assistance to those who extend basic services in remote areas will not falter,” Viray said.

Meanwhile, four communist rebels reportedly involved in extortion activities were killed in a clash with Army troops in Lopez, Quezon yesterday.

The Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion deployed its men to Barangay Peñafrancia after receiving reports from residents about the presence of NPA guerrillas in their community, said Col. Generoso Bolina, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Southern Luzon Command.– Edith Regalado, Alexis Romero