5 gov’t personnel injured in NPA ambush in Compostela Valley

DAVAO CITY – Four soldiers and a government militiaman were injured in an ambush staged by communist guerrillas in the town of Pantukan in Compostela Valley on Friday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said government forces from the 101st Division Reconnaissance Company were conducting a security patrol when they were attacked by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Onor, Barangay Tagugpo at around 10:15 a.m.
A fierce firefight ensued and lasted for about 30 minutes, Caber said.

“The wounded personnel were immediately provided first aid care by the troops in the area. They are now in stable condition,” Caber said.

Additional security forces were immediately deployed to conduct pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.

Compostela Valley is one of the known strongholds of the communist movement in the country.

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