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Saturday, January 07, 2006
8 killed in clash between cops, communist rebels
MANILA -- Five police officers and three civilians were killed following a clash with communist rebels on a central Philippine island Friday, police said.
A group of police officers from Claveria town in Masbate province and the provincial police mobile group were jointly operating in the outskirts of the town when they encountered about 50 New People's Army guerrillas, triggering a clash that also wounded another officer, according to a police report.
The provincial police force and the local army unit immediately deployed to pursue the rebels. A naval blockade also was put up to stop the guerrillas from fleeing Masbate Island, about 350 kilometers southeast of Manila, the report said.
The report did not give other details, including how the civilians were killed.
Friday's clash was the bloodiest since a rebel land mine killed nine army soldiers and wounded 25 in November in central Iloilo province.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, are on US and European lists of terrorist organizations. They have vowed to escalate attacks, hoping to help bring down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who survived an impeachment last year over allegations she rigged the 2004 elections.
The rebels suspended Norwegian-brokered talks with the government in 2004, saying Manila has done little to remove them from the terror lists.
The military estimates the NPA has about 7,500 fighters nationwide. (AP)
(January 7, 2006 issue)
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