Cop wounded in clash with NPA rebels in Davao Oriental

DAVAO CITY — A policeman was wounded in an attack by suspected communist rebels in Tarragona town, Davao Oriental on Thursday, police said.

Police Officer 1 Johnny Morales was wounded after a brief firefight with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at a bridge in Sitio Tagsagaong, Barangay Tomoaong, according to Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, Southern Mindanao police regional spokesperson.

The incident happened as Morales, a member of Baganga municipal police station, Chief Insp. Marcialito Batingana, Baganga police chief, and two other policemen were onboard an unmarked sports utility vehicle (SUV) driven by Police Officer 1 George Silat.

The group was on their way back to their station from the provincial police headquarters in Mati City. As they approached Tagsagaong Bridge, the policemen saw at least 15 armed men in military uniforms manning a checkpoint. Sensing that the gunmen were not government security forces, the SUV  turned back.

A hail of gunfire from the armed men on the bridge soon followed, sparking a brief firefight before the insurgents fled, according to Driz.

Morales was shot in the abdomen and is now undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Police and soldiers are now conducting pursuit operation against the rebels, the regional police spokesperson said. /ee