2 dead, 2 hurt in Agusan rebel attack

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A GUNFIGHT between government forces and the New People's Army rebels resulted in the death of two people and the wounding of two others in Agusan del Norte Tuesday morning.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Eastern Mindanao Command, said that about 50 armed rebels attacked the San Antonio patrol base of the Philippine Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion in Remedios T. Romualdez town around 4:30 a.m.

The firefight reportedly lasted for five hours before the Maoist rebels withdrew.

One Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit member Christopher Rara and an unidentified rebel were killed.

One Corporal Murphy Haiberand and a village councilor Dionisio Calbo were also wounded.

Government troops also recovered two M16 rifles with one attached M203 grenade launcher, one rifle grenade, 500 meters of detonating cord, and ammunition.

As of this writing, elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion are already in the area for clearing operations.

Military helicopters are also providing air support. (BOT of Sun.Star Davao)