AFP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – At least 11 people were killed and 10 others were injured in a series of attacks by communist rebels in Matanao, Davao del Sur on Monday.
The Matanao Municipal Police Station was attacked by around 50 suspected members of New People’s Army at about 4:30 a.m., said Captain William Rodriguez of the 1002nd Brigade.
The attack was led by Felix Armodia, known as Jing, of the NPA’s Front 72. Two policemen were killed and three others were injured form the attacks.
About 30 minutes later, the rebels, led by a certain Armodia, attacked the Donganpekong military detachment, “but were not successful.” Combined forces from the military and police launched pursuit operations, which led to the arrest of nine members of NPA in Asbang village.
In a firefight after the pursuit, two rebels were killed in Saboy village.
Later at about 9 a.m., soldiers from the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion who were sent for reinforcements in Asbang village were hit by a landmine blast also set up by the NPA. This killed seven soldiers and left seven others wounded. Identities of the casualties were withheld pending family notification.
Only last week, 17 soldiers and civilians were injured in a landmine explosion put up by the communist rebels in Bansalan town also in Davao del Sur. A convoy of ambulances that were set to rescue wounded soldiers from a landmine blast were also hit by a bomb.
“As we can see, they are still not over the use of landmines despite our clamor,” Rodriguez said.
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