DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 11 Apr) – Government planes bombed Wednesday New People's Army rebels fleeing a military offensive in the southern Philippines.
There were no immediate reports of casualties, but OV-10 bombers pounded enemy positions after rebels released some 200 civilians they briefly held and used them as shield against pursuing soldiers in the outskirts of Panabo City in Davao del Norte province.
Officials said troops were pursuing a band of rebels behind a prison raid last week in Panabo City.
Chief Supt. Andres Caro, regional police chief, said the rebels have released their hostages and are now in government shelter in Panabo. "All the hostages are safe," he told the Mindanao Examiner.
"Philippine Air Force's OV-10 bombers have conducted a series of bombing attacks on the rebels who are reportedly hiding in the two hinterland villages," said Army Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, a regional military spokesman.
There was no immediate statement from rebel leaders about the fighting. The military and police blamed the NPA for the daring raid at the Davao penal farm where rebel, disguised as government troops, carted more than 100 assorted weapons. (Romy Bwaga)
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