13 NPA rebels captured in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 10, 2010) – Philippine soldiers captured 13 communist insurgents in continuing operations in Compostela Valley province in Mindanao, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said among those captured were several New People’s Army leader, including women who belong to the group’s medical unit.

“The capture of the NPA terrorists was the result of our continuing operation in Mindanao,” said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division.

He said the insurgents were part of a group of NPA forces who escaped a military raid Friday in the village of Salvacion in Monkayo town where a government soldier was killed and three more wounded.

Garcia said troops also recovered from the insurgents a shotgun, a caliber .357 revolver, ammunition, military uniforms and subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Saret, who led the operation against the NPA, said the insurgents were behind the spate of roadside bombings which targeted troops in the province.

“The apprehension of the group is a big blow to NPA terrorists and a welcome respite to peace loving people of Compostela Valley who have been at the receiving end of NPA atrocities to include the emplacement of improvised explosives as roadside bombs which endanger even the ordinary civilians,” he said.

The NPA is waging a secessionist war for decades and peace talks with Manila collapsed in 2004 after the insurgents accused President Gloria Arroyo of reneging on several agreements, among them was the release of all political prisoners in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)