3 civilians hurt in NPA attack

NPA rebel soldiers in Southern Mindanao (Photo: http://www.ndfp.net)

MANILA – Three civilians were hurt after they attacked by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Masbate on Monday morning.

According to Philippine army’s 903rd Brigade public affairs officer Clint Antipala, one of the victims was a 15-year-old high school student.

All the injured victims were already brought to a hospital for treatment.

Antipala said at around 8:40 a.

m., about 20 rebels attacked the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company’s patrol base in Sitio Guiwanon in Barangay Danao of San Jacinto town using rifles and grenade launchers.

He added that the civilians were also carrying copra and passing a detachment when they attacked.

“They were near the detachment and were hit by an M203 grenade and bullets coming from the NPAs,” said Antipala.

He also noted that the rebels stopped after engaging in a 10-minute firefight. No one was killed or injured on the side of the military.