Soldier, civilian killed in gunfight with rebs

A soldier and a civilian were killed in an encounter between the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur early morning yesterday.
The 10th Infantry Division (ID) reported that the names of the casualties are being withheld pending notification to their families.
The soldiers engaged the rebels in almost an hour of gun fight when they saw the members of Guerilla Front 51 under alias Jasmin around 5:15 a.m. oApril 26, 2016 in Sitio Tubison, Barangay Astorga.
The casualties were already evacuated and being provided medical attention.
Meanwhile, 10th ID commander Major Gen. Rafael C. Valencia ordered the pursuit of the fleeing NPA members.
Valencia said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local police has already set checkpoints to block the escape from the area of the rebels.
The 1002nd Infantry Brigade has coordinated with the local governments of Sta. Cruz and Davao del Sur for the necessary assistance to the populace who were affected by the said armed conflict.
“We wish to further inform the public that the situation in Barangay Astorga is manageable and under control by government forces and agencies,” Valencia said.
He said the different agencies of government are closely working together to address and mitigate the effects of this incident on the people.
“We are asking for the understanding and cooperation of the community affected by the armed encounter,” he said.
He said the whole 10th ID also sympathizes with the family, relatives and friends of our soldier who valiantly died in pursuit of peace for Davao del Sur and the rest of Davao Region.
On Monday, a soldier was killed in an encounter in Sitio Colorado, Barangay Sibulan, Toril District, Davao City.
Around 10:30 a.m., while troops of 84 Infantry Battalion (IB) were riding four motorcycles they were ambushed by members of Guerilla Front 54 of NPA.
A soldier was killed and another hurt. The wounded soldier has a gunshot wound on his right foot and was immediately evacuated to a hospital. ARMANDO FENEQUITO JR.