Two soldiers killed, 12 hurt in NPA Surigao attack

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least two soldiers were killed in a landmine attack by suspected communist rebels in Surigao del Sur as government troops prepared for the Holy Week break, a military official said on Friday, April 3.

Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command chief, also said one rebel was killed, and 12 other soldiers were hurt in the 10-minute firefight that erupted following the attack on Wednesday morning, April 1.

Balalad said the military convoy was headed to the 401st Brigade headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur, for the Holy Week break when it hit two landmines planted by the rebels in the outskirts of Mahayag village, San Miguel town in Surigao del Sur. 

Balalad identified the casualties as Sergeant Luisito Marimon and Corporal Rey Gerson from the 4th Artillery Battalion.

“We are saddened by the incident perpetrated by the NPAs that cost the life of our two soldiers. While the Christian world is reflecting on Christ’s redemption of our worldly sin, they blatantly disrespected it with their atrocities and laying of landmines on a busy road, which is a reflection of an atheist and terrorist organization,” Baladad said.

The encounter also left one rebel dead, while another was  captured.

The injured soldiers were brought to the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Hospital in Tandag City, while the apprehended rebel was brought to  a military camp for initial investigation.

3 soldiers hurt in BIFF grenade attack

Meanwhile, 3 soldiers were wounded when suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)  launched a grenade attack against the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, around 9 pm Thursday, April 2.

Army Captain Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of the military’s 6th Division, said the blast injured 3 soldiers under the 2nd Mechanized Battalion who were near at the site.

“They are out of danger now. We have troops stationed near at the government office,” Petinglay said. – Rappler.com