Civilian killed in crossfire between communists, soldiers

DIGOS CITY – A civilian was killed in the crossfire while a soldier was injured when communist rebels stormed a military detachment in Jose Abad Santos town in Davao Occidental early Monday.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Felix Babac, commanding officer of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion based in Malita town, also in Davao Occidental, would not identify the slain civilian in deference to the family’s request.

But he said Sergeant Roel Mahilum was injured in the attack and was brought to a hospital in General Santos City.

Babac told the Inquirer by text message that Mahilum was among soldiers manning the detachment in Barangay Caburan Small when about 9 rebels under Guerrilla Front 11, who were led by a man identified as Arnold, attacked.

The rebels, he said, initially fired four rifle grenades before strafing the detachment.

Babac said a civilian, who was living nearby, was hit by stray bullet and was instantly killed.

The soldiers manning the detachment managed to hold their ground by firing back. The exchange of gunfire lasted for about two minutes before the rebels withdrew.

“We are still determining if there were casualties on the part of the enemy,” Babac said, adding that another team of soldiers were dispatched to pursue the fleeing rebels. Eldie Aguirre