Suspected members of the New People's Army ambushed soldiers on Sunday in Barangay Badas, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

An Army squad was traveling from Barangay Taguibo to Banaybanay in Mati City when at least five communist terrorists attacked at around 8 a.m.

Initial report said that a gunfight ensued for about 10 minutes, wounding one soldier who was immediately taken to the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center.

Authorities temporarily closed the national highway to motorists, stalling traffic for almost two hours.

'Today's incident along the national highway in Sitio Tagawisan, Barangay Badas is unfortunate and we condemn such atrocious act by lawless armed group,' said Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat in a statement.

'For almost two hours, traffic was halted along the main thoroughfare which serves as the only road for our farmers to bring their products to our markets. For two hours, many livelihood were affected. This brings to light the fact that armed struggle is not the way to bring peace and development to our city, to our people.'