2 rebels killed in new military campaign in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 1, 2010) – Filipino soldiers clashed with communist rebels on Tuesday, killing at least two gunmen, in Davao City in the restive region of Mindanao, officials said.

Officials said the fighting broke out in the village called Manuel Guianga in Tugbok District after troops launched offensives against the New People’s Army. One soldier was also wounded in the fighting.

“At least two NPA rebels are dead and one of our soldiers is wounded in the fighting this afternoon in Tugbok District. We also recovered an M16 automatic rifle, night vision goggle, a pair of binoculars and an improvised explosive device left behind by dissident terrorists,” said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division.

He said the fighting erupted at around 1 p.m. and sporadic clashes continued later in the day. “Sporadic clashes are ongoing,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA, the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines which has been waging a secessionist war for decades now.

Security forces launched offensives against the rebels n several provinces in Mindanao as part of a new campaign aimed at weakening communist insurgency in the mineral-rich, but troubled southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)