MANILA, Philippines - Five people, including soldiers and a poll watcher, were killed in ambush by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Maragusan, Compostela Valley province on Tuesday morning.
Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command, said members of the Philippine Army's 66th Infantry Battalion were escorting teachers and poll watchers when they were ambushed in Sitio Saranga, Barangay Mahayahay around 9 a.m.
Cabangbang said the group was on board a dump truck and was on their way to the Maragusan Municipal Hall to deliver election paraphernalia.
Among those killed were 2 Army soldiers, 2 military volunteers and a poll watcher identified as Mercedita Negro.
Nine people, including 9 Army personnel, 2 poll watchers and a civilian were injured. The 2 poll watchers were identified as Lita Tablingon and Mila Restauro.
The injured victims have been brought to the Maragusan District Hospital.
Cabangbang said the teachers, who acted as board of election inspectors, were unhurt and were able to deliver the election paraphernalia to the municipal board of canvassers at the town proper.
Pursuit operations were ongoing. -- Report from Noel Alamar, radio dzMM
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