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Monday, April 26, 2004
3 rebels killed in clash with gov't troops
MANILA -- Three suspected communist rebels were killed and another arrested after a gun battle with military troopers in Compostela Valley, a report reaching Camp Aguinaldo said Sunday.
Troops were patrolling in a remote area in Compostela Valley in Mindanao Saturday when they ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels, sparking an exchange of fire, said Armed Forces spokesman Daniel Lucero.
The rebel captured by the soldiers was brought to the headquarters of the Army's 60th Infantry Battalion for interrogation.
Lieutenant Colon Lucero said they were able to confiscate low-powered firearms and a Claymore mine, the kind reportedly used by guerillas in bombing vital installations, from the rebels after the encounter.
Additional soldiers were dispatched to the encounter scene to track down those still at large.
The military has been stepping up operations against the NPA, which has been extorting money from candidates ahead of May 10 national elections. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Prior to the Compostela Valley clash, about 30 fully armed communist insurgents assaulted the headquarters of the 72nd Infantry Battalion in Bangangga, Davao Oriental.
Assigned to that headquarters were eight enlisted personnel and 12 members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) led by Sgt. Teddy Rafanan.
Rafanan's group fought back and battled the rebels for about 15 minutes. The troops were able to defend their position and the rebels were forced to withdraw.
No one was reported dead or injured on either the rebel or government side after the incident. JFF
(April 26, 2004 issue)
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Mindanao now 'safer' with arrest of JI men