3 soldiers, militiaman hurt in Surigao Sur clash

Three Army soldiers and a government militiaman were hurt following a clash with suspected communist rebels in Surigao del Sur on Tuesday, a regional Army spokesman said. In a text message sent to reporters, Major Eugenio Osias of the Army's 4th Infantry Division identified the wounded troops as SSgt. Ronnie Gaylon, Sgt. Joel Igbus and Private Jerson Sumagaysay, all with the 75th Infantry Battalion. The wounded militiaman was identified as Beny Sumaganday. Osias said the clash occurred 12:40 p.m. Tuesday when the troops caught up with the insurgents believed to have fled with eight dump and hauler trucks belonging to Bislig Ventures in Bislig City on Monday. The rebels fled with the trucks toward Lingig town, where they eventually burned the vehicles. Captive mayor Incidentally, the rebels in the area are still holding Lingig Mayor Henry Dano, who was seized inside his residence in Sabang village on August 6. Last month, Dano's wife disclosed that the rebels were demanding the release of some of their comrades in exchange for the freedom of the mayor and two other soldiers being held captive by the insurgents. The military, however, has rejected the proposed prisoner swap. — RSJ, GMA News