3 soldiers wounded as Army, NPA clash

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Three soldiers were wounded when they encountered a group of communist guerillas in Barangay New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato around 10:30 a.m. Monday, a military official said.

Lieutenant Nasrullah Sema, chief of the civil military operations of the 57th IB, identified the casualties as Corporal (Cpl.) Jonathan Santos, Cpl. Antonio Grafil Jr., and Cpl. Allan Laurea, all from the 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company of the 6th Infantry Division.

Sema said the soldiers were conducting clearing operations along the boundary of Barangays New Israel and Bulatucan in Makilala town when they chanced at least 20 NPA members in the area.

Two hours later, elements of the Charlie Company of the 57th IB recovered along the Cotabato-Davao highway an anti-personnel mine, which weighed 10 kilos, a detonating cord and a 100-meter electrical wiring attached to it.

Sema hinted the landmine was placed along the highway not only to inflict injuries among the soldiers but also to commuters plying the Cotabato-Davao route.

"If our troops did not recover the landmine, we're certain it would cause death, injuries and damage to properties," Sema said.

The troops were positioned on a higher ground when they recovered the explosive, he added.