Army men ambushed in Surigao City

MANILA, Philippines—Members of the Philippine Army were ambushed in Surigao City Wednesday, regional public information officer Police Superintendent Martin Mercado Gamba said Thursday.

Eighteen personnel of the 30th Infantry Battalion were boarding two military vehicles when they were attacked by more or less 10 armed men believed to be members of a rebel group along P-7 Poctoy village Surigao City at around 1:35 p.m., Gamba said. They were to conduct a security awareness campaign in Mat-i village.

Gamba said the Army clash lasted for about 20 minutes before the enemies withdrew towards the mountainous area of Poctoy village.

There were no casualties on the government troops, he added.

Surigao del Norte Police recovered several empty shells of M16 rifle on the area, said Gamba.

Joint forces of the 30th IB, Philippine Army and Surigao del Norte Public Safety Company were conducting pursuit operations against the fleeing enemies.