MANILA, Philippines – Five enlisted personnel were killed after around 30 members of the New People’s Army harassed a new military security outpost early dawn Tuesday in Agusan del Sur.

The names of the casualties have yet to be released pending notification of their families.

“As the father of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division family, I deeply mourn for the death of 5 of my family members. Rest assured that the dignity of your deaths--my sons--will not come to naught, for this incident will only make our resolve stronger to achieve lasting peace in the area,” Major General Victor Felix, Commander of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said.

About 30 NPA rebels of the Guerilla Front 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Command attacked the newly established Charlie Company Command Post at Barangay La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur at 1.45 a.m.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes that resulted to the death of 5 enlisted personnel. One soldier was wounded and was brought to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“The atrocities they are conducting are indirectly hurting the rebels themselves and their families,” Felix said. Trinidad Velasco, ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao