Child dies, 2 hurt when NPA rebels attack Army post in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato — A child died while two others were hurt when New People’s Army rebels attacked a military detachment near a civilian-populated area in Barangay Kisante in Makilala, North Cotabato, on Thursday evening, the police said Friday.

PO1 Jeralyn Tavarro, officer on duty at the Makilala police, said an undetermined number of NPA rebels stormed the detachment of the 72nd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Alang-alang around 8 p.m.

The attack took place barely three days after the rebels celebrated their 47th anniversary.

Tavarro said the firefight lasted for 15 minutes, sending residents living at the back portion of the military camp scampering for safety.

She said a seven-month old baby, identified as Joylyn Dado, was killed when she was hit by a stray bullet in the middle of the encounter, during which, explosions also took place.

Two other minors, identified as Judith Darino, 17; and one-year old John Patrick Binoy, were hit by shrapnel and are now being treated at the Makilala Medical Specialist Center.

Tavarro said the rebels eventually retreated, without taking over the detachment.  SFM