NDCC: Fighting displaces 1,225 in Surigao Sur

At least 234 families or 1,225 people have been displaced due to fighting between government troops and communist rebels in Surigao del Sur last weekend. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Tuesday night these families had been forced to leave their homes in Mahaba village in Marihatag town. The report did not give details on the cause of the evacuation after last weekend's clash, but it said there is a "military operation in the area." It said the displaced families are staying at the Marihatag and San Isidro municipal gymnasiums. According to the NDCC, most affected communities in Mahaba village are Lansones, Rambutan, Kalamansi, Palompon, Lucnudon, San Roque and Boringon. The NDCC said the Marihatag Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council is providing relief assistance to the evacuees. Last Saturday, government troops killed a female member of the communist New People’s Army in a series of clashes in Surigao del Sur. Officials said one soldier was also killed and three more wounded in the fighting that broke out in Mahaba village. — LBG, GMANews.TV