MALUNGON, Sarangani – Authorities have stepped up security operations in hinterland barangays after a militiaman was killed while two others were wounded in an attack by bandits in the tri-boundary of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Davao del Sur in Barangay Datal Batong here on New Year’s Eve.
Sgt. Richie Villar, team leader of the Army 73rd Infantry Battalion assigned to supervise CAFGU personnel in the area, identified the fatality as Soliscio Potorio, 42. The wounded, Ronnie Soliman and Marlon Manduan, were taken to a hospital in General Santos City.
The attack prompted Malungon Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino to ask the local police and Army to launch pursuit operations against the assailants.
“I have already sought the assistance of the local police and military authorities to beef up the security measures in our locality,” Constantino said.
She said the attack on the patrolling CAFGU personnel and civilian volunteers was an isolated incident which might hamper the implementation of peace and development programs initiated by the local government in several remote barangays plagued by lawless armed groups and communist rebels.
She assured the victims’ families of financial assistance from the local government.