TACLOBAN CITY––Two members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) and a former New People’s Army (NPA) member were injured Tuesday morning after a firefight with rebels from Matuguinao town, Samar.
Wounded were Corporals Abner Balante and Manuel Carlos and a former rebel named ‘Jomar.’
The SAF personnel were in Barangay del Rosario at 8:40 a.m. for their security operation when an undetermined number of rebels ambushed them, resulting in a firefight that lasted more than 20 minutes.
The wounded SAF troops and ex-rebel were brought to a hospital for treatment.
Matuguinao is one of Samar municipalities that faces insurgency.
Mayor Aran Boller had earlier called on the rebels to surrender and avail themselves of the government financial and livelihood assistance.