Eight soldiers, 2 security guards, a policemen and a militia member were killed in an attack by members the New People’s Army in Surigao del Sur province.

The alleged NPA members reportedly first attacked logging firm Surigao Development Corporation (Sudecor) and burned more than ten pieces of the company’s equipment. The suspected rebels also reportedly disarmed the company's security guards and members of Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA) in Barangay Pakwan in Lanuza town in Surigao del Sur.

Elements of Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion reportedly responded to the incident.

While on their way to the area however, they were however hit by a landmine. After the blast an encounter with the suspected rebels also ensued.

The soldiers of 58th IB killed were identified as Corporals Gartin Plaza and Mohamad Kair Abdurasic; Privates First Class Kenneth Bactong, Dennis Garfin, Charlito Pico and Jose Belascuan; and Privates Traul Paquibot and Charles Orit.

Also killed were Police Officer 2 Rodulfo Randy Ambray Medrano of the 1405th Provincial Mobile Group, SCAA Dionisito Luces and Sudecor security officers Edmundo Careño and Hilarion Agudo.

Twelve others were also reported wounded in the attack.

Thirteen high-powered firearms were also reportedly carted away by the alleged rebels.

Pursuit operations have reportedly been launched. From a report Trinidad Velasco, ABS-CBN News Caraga