8 killed in North Cotabato anti-drug operation
Breaking News • 01:30 AM Mon Aug 15, 2016
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By:
Ferdinandh Cabrera
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – At least eight
government forces were killed while five others were injured in a fire fight with
armed men during anti-drug operations in a remote village here Sunday dawn.
Joint elements of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
(PDEA) operatives, North Cotabato police, military and the 6th Infantry
Division Recon Company, were to serve search warrants against a certain
Commander Madrox, a Moro lawless elements leader, in Barangay Nabalawag,
Midsayap, North Cotabato at 4:30 a.m. when fire fight erupted.
Fighting was still going on as of posting.
Three of those killed were identified as PO3 Darwin
Espallardo of North Cotabato PNP, Corporal Jose Miravalles, Pfc. Jaypee Duran,
both of Division Recon Company.
Injured were Sgt. Arinio Grafil, Private Normel
Grande, Cpl. Diocesar Espanola, Pfc. Romnick Clerigo, Pvt. Edgar Gegone, all of
6thDRC.
Gun fight erupted as government forces entered the
village at about 4:30 a.m. with the gunmen using rocket propelled grenades and
assault rifles (Ferdinandh Cabrera).