7 soldiers, 2 cops killed in NPA attacks in Davao

BLOODSTAINS, empty bullet shells and broken window glass are scattered in the police station in Matanao town, Davao del Sur province, following a New People’s Army attack. ORLANDO B. DINOY/INQUIRER MINDANAO

DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines—Seven soldiers, two policemen and two rebels were killed in a series of clashes between government forces and members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) here on Monday morning.

The fighting started at 4:30 a.m. when some 70 NPA rebels attacked the municipal police station, leaving two police officers dead. Two other lawmen and two detainees were wounded.

“They fired at the station like it was New Year’s Day revelry,” said Renante Oviedo, a detainee facing a case of illegal drugs possession. He said he and the other prisoners hid inside their cell’s comfort room.

Killed were SPO1 Manolo Booc and PO2 Danny Moalong. Wounded were Insp. Rene Uy and PO1 Sherwin Ray Cadungog.

The 11 policemen on duty were overpowered by the rebels who arrived on board two Isuzi Elf trucks and a multicab. After a 30-minute exchange of gunfire, the rebels withdrew, leaving behind two slain comrades but carting away seven M-16 rifles and two 9-mm pistols.

Oviedo said one of the rebels wanted to free the prisoners but was stopped by his companions, as they were running out of time.

As they moved out, they fired at an Army detachment in Barangay (village) Donganpekong.

At 9 a.m., seven soldiers on pursuit operations were killed when a land mine exploded and hit their truck in Sitio Lahad, Barangay Asbang.

Capt. William Rodriguez, spokesperson of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, identified one of the fatalities as Lt. Ludivico Alejo, the platoon leader.

Eight others suffered shrapnel wounds, according to Capt. Ernest Carolina, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

Rodriguez said two guerrillas were killed by the soldiers in Barangay (village) Savoy, 15 kilometers away from the police station, while nine others were apprehended at a police checkpoint.

Senior Supt. Ronaldo Llanera, provincial police director, said those arrested were among those who attacked the police station.

In Barangay Asbang, government forces continue to go after the rebels as of 3 p.m.

The Army’s medical team found it difficult to retrieve the wounded, as its members were being fired at by NPA snipers. With reports from Orlando B. Dinoy, Karlos Manlupig and Eldie Aguirre, Inquirer Mindanao