6 NPA rebels killed in Philippine clashes

DAVAO CITY – At least six communist rebels were killed by troops in continuing clashes Monday in the restive region of Mindanao, south of the Philippines, the military said.

It said troops first clashed with New People’s Army rebels in the village of Datal Anggas in Sarangani’s Alabel town after the military sent the soldiers to verify the reported presence of gunmen harassing an indigenous community.

The fighting then continued on later in the day that left at least 5 rebels dead, according to Col. Romeo Brawner, of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

He said troops from the 73^rd Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez also captured one gunman following a 20-minute running gun battle. He said soldiers recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, an M653 automatic rifle, six M16 automatic rifles and seven backpacks left behind by the rebels.

General Aurelio Baladad, chief of the Eastern Mindanao, accused the rebels of violating rights of tribesmen in the province.

“Our indigenous brothers are tired of these human rights violations, coercion and exploitation by the NPA. As human rights advocates, our security operations to protect the indigenous people from the banditry of the NPAs are just part of the holistic approach to assist them in their quest for self-determination with the support of other stakeholders,” he said.

The fighting broke out just a day after rebels attacked a police station in Davao Oriental’s Mati City and sparked clashes that left at least six people dead – one NPA gunman, one civilian and four soldiers.

The NPA has been fighting to overthrow the democratic government and install a Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)

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