2 soldiers hurt in Cotabato clash with NPA guerrillas —military

KIDAPAWAN CITY —Two soldiers of the 39th Infantry Battalion were injured in a clash with at least 20 suspected New People's Army guerrillas in a remote village in Makilala, Cotabato on Friday morning, a  military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun Rosales, 39th IB commander, did not disclose the identities of the soldiers but said they are now being treated in a hospital.

He said his men responded to reports that armed men believed to be members of the NPA front 73 were massing up in the village before the hour-long clash erupted.

"They were fired at first, prompting our personnel to fire back at the enemy," Rosales told GMA News Online in phone interview.

Two attack helicopters have been sent to the area for air cover for the assault on rebels' lair and clearing operations.

Some residents have fled their homes and are temporarily staying in the barangay hall for their safety, Rosales added. —LBG, GMA News