TWO soldiers were killed, while six others were wounded, in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Davao City, the military said Sunday, June 11.
The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said in a statement the clash occurred early Sunday at Sitio Bajada, Paradise Embac, Paquibato District, Davao City.
The military said the clash occurred when the troops were fired upon while they “were responding to a reported consolidation of NPAs planning to conduct atrocities in Paquibato District.”
The clash resulted to the death of two soldiers and six others wounded.
The Eastmincom withheld the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers except in saying they belong to the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion.
The troops prevented an NPA violent atrocity although they sustained casualties.
The troops have recovered one M653 Colt AR18 rifle with ammunition, two jungle bags, one “civilian bag,” electrical wire, and other personal belongings.
Major General Noel Clement, Joint Task Force Haribon commander, expressed his appreciation and grief over the death of the soldiers as he vowed to pursue the NPAs to prevent them from coercing and intimidating the communities.
“While it is sad that we loss two of our soldiers, their ultimate sacrifice is worth noting, they displayed the finest core value of Honor, Duty and Patriotism as they prevented a possible atrocity against our people,” Clement added. (SunStar Philippines)