1 killed, 4 injured in NCotabato rebel attack

KIDAPAWAN CITY—A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) was killed and four others were wounded when some 60 suspected New People’s Army rebels operating in the towns of Mlang and Tulunan attacked a detachment in North Cotabato Friday afternoon, a local chief executive said on Saturday. Mlang town Mayor Joselito Piñol said the suspected communist rebels, who arrived on two Isuzu elf trucks, harassed the detachment in Barangay Luz Village shortly before 4:00 p.m.
Killed in the attack was Rex Alvarez. Two Cafgu members, Wilfredo Mendoza and Ronaldo Castillion, were wounded in the hostilities, according to authorities. Two civilians identified as Tiburcio Pastera and Leonardo Mara-Mara, who happened to be in the nearby mini-store were also wounded when hit by stray bullets during the 10-minute gunfight. The wounded were immediately rushed to hospitals in Kidapawan City and Mlang, mayor Piñol said. “The Cafgu manning the army detachment were surprised [by the attack], however they tried to defend but outnumbered by the communist rebels," Mayor Piñol said in a text message. Mayor Piñol said the communist rebels took away two M16 Armalite rifles, a Carbine, M14 and 16 Garrand rifles before withdrawing towards the mountainous boundary of Mlang and Tulunan. Last Wednesday suspected communist rebels led by commander Ponyong belonging to its front Committee 53 torched two government vehicles in the town of Magpet, North Cotabato . The communist rebels operating in Magpet are demanding from local politicians to pay for a Permit to Win (PTW) to ensure victory in the May elections. —Williamor A. Magbanua/LBG, GMANews.TV