Photo taken from google maps
MANILA, Philippines—Nearly 200 families fled their homes in Davao del Norte following an encounter between communist rebels and government troops, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday night.
The encounter transpired past noon Thursday in Sitio Mamaon in Pinamuno village, Sitio Mamalian in Datu Balong village, and Purok Sentro in Monte Dujali village in San Isidro town.
The evacuees took temporary shelter at their village halls. In Pinamuno, there were 73 families that evacuated, 42 in Datu Balong, and 75 in Monte Dujali.
As of 9 p.m. Friday, all residents in the said areas have been evacuated, the NDRRMC said.
A soldier from the 10th Infantry Battalion was wounded in the clash.
Reports said that around 300 New People’s Army rebels were spotted in Monte Dujali village conducting checkpoints prior to the incident, the NDRRMC said.