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Last missing soldier in Basilan clash rescued


The last missing soldier in last Tuesday's clash with rebels in Al-Barka town in Basilan province has been rescued, the commanding general of the Philippine Army said Thursday. In a text message to news media, Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said Natividad escaped from his captors at around noon Tuesday after seeing one of his fellow soldiers, Lt. Delfin Khe with wounds on his chest and feet. Natividad narrated that he had his firearms and remaining two-magazine load of ammunition and withdrew toward the shoreline and reached it at around 4 p.m. Wednesday as he evaded the enemy along the way, according to Ortiz. The Army official said Natividad swam out to sea at about 5 a.m. Thursday to his freedom. Ortiz said Natividad was brought by helicopter to the Western Mindanao Command Hospital and is in stable condition. The soldier suffered only shrapnel wounds on his feet, arms, and face, but can now walk unaided inside the hospital, Ortiz added. A separate report by radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. said Natividad was found near the site of the clash in Al-Barka.
At least 19 soldiers, including four officers, were killed in the clash in Basilan last Tuesday. Meanwhile, GMA News' Raffy Tima on Thursday reported on News To Go that all the 49 soldiers involved in the clash, including the fatalities, have been accounted for. The MILF claimed the military intruded its territory but the military denied the allegation. Despite this, presidential peace process adviser Teresita Deles said preparations will continue for the possible resumption of peace talks with the MILF in November. — LBG/PE/ELR, GMA News

Tags: milf, basilan
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