2 soldiers wounded while en route to Brigada Eskwela mission in Compostela Valley

MANILA, Philippines—While on their way to a school mission, two soldiers were wounded when eight members of the New People’s Army staged an ambush Monday on Barangay (village) Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley, the military said Tuesday.

According to Captain Alberto Caber, Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command, the wounded soldiers were Sergeant Freddie Magdagay and Private First Class Ellsworth Banaga from the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion.

Banaga and Magdagay were on their way for a Brigada Eskwela mission when the rebels fired upon them at around 7:30 a.m.

The AFP is taking part in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education to prepare school facilities for the opening classes next month.