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Friday, March 11, 2005
4 Army soldiers slain
By Edwin G. Espejo
THE Valentine Palamine command of the New Peoples Army (NPA)-Far South Mindanao Region said they had killed four Army soldiers and wounded several others during a recent clash between the rebel forces and government troops in Datal Blao, Columbio town, Sultan Kudarat.
The claim, sent through a text message, cannot be independently confirmed however.
But Colonel Minardo Geslani quickly dismissed the NPA claim saying it was pure propaganda.
"Hindi matago ang aming casualties. Public record 'yan," Geslani told Sun.Star in a telephone interview.
The military earlier said two NPA rebels were slain in an encounter more than a week ago in Columbio.
Colonel Alfredo Cayton Jr., Commanding Officer of the 601st Brigade, said a platoon of soldiers were conducting military operations in the hinterlands of Datal Blao when they tripped into a land mine planted by the NPA rebels.
A fierce gun battle ensued which last for several minutes.
Cayton claimed except for two soldiers who were slightly wounded, all his men were accounted for.
The NPA rebels were reportedly led by Ka Bobo, also known for his nom de guerre Ka Dencio Madrigal.
Ka Bobo is allegedly the commanding officer of the main regional guerilla unit (MRGU) of the NPA.
The communist-led NPA has stepped up its attacks against government forces all over the country in recent weeks.
It will celebrate its 36th founding anniversary on March 29.
In 1969, the New People's Army was established by communist Party of the Philippines chairman Jose Maria Sison in Tarlac.
From a band of 35 poorly armed guerillas, the NPAs have spread its operation throughout the country.
The military said the armed strength of the NPAs has been steadily increasing over the last couple of years.
For Bisaya stories from General Santos. Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
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