4 soldiers, 2 NPAs wounded in Sultan Kudarat clash

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines - Four soldiers and two members of the New People’s Army were wounded in a firefight Wednesday in the hinterland Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat.  

 

Captain Danny Tapang, spokesman of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said the encounter erupted when a group of some 30 NPA fighters opened fire on soldiers patrolling in a secluded area in Barangay Datal Blao in Columbio.

 

He said the rebels belong to the NPA’s Guerilla Front 72, which he said is opposed to the military's ongoing community projects in Barangay Datal Blao.

 

Tapang said the outnumbered 39th IB personnel managed to return fire and managed to prevent the rebels from closing in.

 

The NPAs retreated towards the border of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat when they ran out of ammunition, he added.

 

Barangay residents have reported seeing the rebels carry two wounded companions as they escaped.

 

Tapang said the four soldiers wounded were rushed to a hospital for medication.