ZAMBOANGA CITY: Communist insurgents killed an Army officer and wounded two soldiers in a firefight in Davao City. Major Ezra Balagtey, Philippine Army spokesman, said First Lieutenant Jarren Jay Relota, 27, was killed in Barangay Mapula of Paquibato district, a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA). “During the exchange of fire and maneuver, the terrorists detonated an improvised landmine wounding two soldiers while killing Lt. Relota,” Balagtey said. The rebel group also claimed responsibility for its daring attack on a military post in North Cotabato’s Makilala town that resulted in the seizure of weapons and grenades. Dencio Madrigal, rebel spokesman, said the “NPA confiscated M14 rifle and M16 rifle, five rifle grenades, assorted ammunition, vests and military equipment.

Source: Manila Times January 26, 2018 16:07 UTC