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Thursday, March 01, 2007
2 soldiers killed in clash with rebels in Davao
By Ben O. Tesiorna and Carlo P. Mallo
DAVAO CITY -- Two soldiers were killed after their platoon engaged a band of communist rebels Wednesday in the village of Tagurano, just off Barangay Eden in Toril District, Davao City.
The platoon, from the Army's 73rd IB and led by 2nd Lieutenant Ulysses Mendoza, was dispatched to Barangay Eden on Wednesday morning after reports were received on the presence of rebels from the Davao del Sur area.
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Major Randolph Cabangbang, public information officer of the Eastern Mindanao Command, identified the casualties as Army Sergeant Niques and a certain Lopez of the Special Civilian Action Auxiliary (SCAA).
Cabangbang said the incident happened at 8:20 a.m. in the village of Immaculate Conception, Barangay Tagurano. The platoon was following up combat operations against rebels said to be extorting from residents.
While they were nearing the village, troops noticed tracks left by communist guerillas.
"Mendoza immediately alerted his men to be cautious for possible enemy engagement. While traversing a very difficult terrain, the rebels fired at them and this started the firefight," said Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Bautista of the Army's 10th Infantry Division.
A one and a half hour firefight ensued during which the two soldiers were killed.
The soldiers believe they were also able to hit some rebels as indicated by bloodstains along their escape route.
The rebels reportedly took with them two carbine rifles.
The rebel group, numbering around 30 and armed with long firearms, is said to be led by one Kumander Bobby of the New People's Army (NPA) Front Committee 51 and "Ka Jasmin."
Though in a disadvantageous position, government troopers took cover from enemy fire in the trees and fired back at the rebel group.
Mendoza, sensing that they are outnumbered, ordered his men to do an assault to preempt the rebels from enveloping them.
"By fire and maneuver and supported by attack helicopters, they assaulted the enemy's front, disregarding the heavy volume of fire facing them. The troops were able to seize the enemy position, forcing the latter to withdraw northwest in the direction of the encounter site," Bautista said.
Colonel Allan Luga of the Task Force Davao poured in additional forces from the 73rd Infantry Battalion to pursue the fleeing rebels.
He also coordinated with the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion based in Makilala, North Cotabato to conduct complementary operations at the boundary of Sta. Cruz, Davao Sur and Davao City to cordon the enemy's withdrawal routes.
Major Gen. Ernesto Boac of the Army's 10th Infantry Division ordered the Tactical Operation Group 11 to make their air assets available in case gun battles will happen anew in the area. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (March 1, 2007 issue)
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