[Mindanao Examiner] Clashes broke out between Philippine troops and Maoist militants on the border between two towns in North Cotabato Tuesday morning, prompting thousands of civilians to flee. The battle with New People’s Army insurgents between Antipas and Magpet towns left two soldiers and a civilian slightly injured.Arakan police chief Jose Marie Molina said the rescue vehicle that carried the injured soldiers were also ambushed by communist rebels in Sitio Anuling at about 9:30am that sparked another firefight.
Molina added that the militants have suffered many casualties as evidenced by blood stains on their escape routes. He said government agents are now on the ground and have begun providing emergency relief assistance to affected families.