3 soldiers die in NPA attack in North Cotabato

ARAKAN, North Cotabato– Three soldiers were killed and another wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in a remote village here, around 425 p.m., Wednesday. Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for the Cotabato Provincial Police Office, identified the slain soldiers as Private First Class Callano, Quilangit, and Manampan, and the wounded as Corporal Blancia, all members of the 57thInfantry Battalion. Tayong said the soldiers, led by a certain Lt. de Guzman of the 57thIB, were on their way to respond to calls that a group of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels was sighted in Barangay Kabalantian, Arakan when they were met by volley of fires coming from all directions. Reports said that a group of soldiers, also from the 57thIB, was sent to reinforce but while on their way, a bomb exploded and hit them.Three of the soldiers died on the spot and the wounded was rushed to a hospital in Kidapawan City for further treatment. Tayong said although traces of blood were seen at the encounter site in Barangay Kabalantian, authorities have yet to find out if the rebels suffered casualties. The rebels usually would carry their wounded comrades up to the hill so that no trace could be seen,” said the police officer. The exchange of fires lasted for an hour, according to Tayong. Around 9 p.m., also on Wednesday, the slain soldiers were brought to Torreda Funeral Homes in Kidapawan City.