5 soldiers wounded in NPA attack in Agusan del Sur

MANILA, Philippines - Five members of security forces were injured in an attack staged by communist insurgents on Thursday in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, spokesman of the Army’s 4th division, said troops from the 26th battalion were waylaid by about 15 rebels along Purok 2 in Barangay Kauswagan at about 7:15 a.m.

He said a 10-minute firefight ensued, leaving four soldiers and one militia man wounded. The five sustained shrapnel wounds after they were hit by landmine blasts.

Injured during the rebel attack were Pfcs. Julbair Dassad, Raphy John Teola, Remar Edpalina and Rene Lazaga, and militia man Emmanuel Batolina. The five were involved in development projects and were on their way to their command post when the incident happened.

Authorities are now conducting pursuit operations against the rebels.

The strength of the communist rebellion stands at about 4,000 based on latest military estimates. – Alexis Romero