Monday, October 29, 2007 6 rebels, militiaman killed, scores wounded in clashes By Carlo P. Mallo
AT LEAST 13 encounters between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People's Army were reported last week in the hinterland villages of Davao City.
The rebel group was reported to have suffered six casualties while rebel leader Commander Parago is also believed to be wounded along with 17 others.
The military, on the other hand, suffered three wounded personnel while one militiaman was killed.
Col. Alexander Ambal of the Army's 73rd Infantry Brigade said the encounters lasted from October 21 to 24.
"There were reports of sightings of armed groups in the Barangays of Malabog, Lumiad, Mapula, and Pandaitan," Ambal said.
The military then worked on the report and conducted foot patrols in the area.
"When we confirmed that there were rebel groups in the area, military operations were immediately started," Ambal said.
Another group of the New People's Army was also seen in the area and engaged in the encounter.
"The Pulang Bagani Command 1 was also seen in the area," Ambal added.
Recovered from the encounter sights were two shotguns, several claymor mines, several rounds of mortar and rocket propelled grenade ammunitions, and medicines. Two severely damaged M16s were also seen in the area.
Ambal also said the wounded rebels were most likely brought to the different hospitals and clinics in Davao City and in the neighboring provinces.
The presence of the rebel group in the area was seen by the military as a form of influencing the people for today's barangay elections. It was reported that apart from permit to campaign fees collected from the candidates, the rebel group have also fielded some candidates to take part in the polls.
Nonetheless, Ambal is confident that the security measures implemented by the military and the Philippine National Police would ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls today in the area.
