2 killed in NPA ambush in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 22, 2010) – Communist rebels ambushed a military patrol and killing two government militias and wounding two others in the southern Philippines.

The attack occurred in the village of El Salvador in Davao del Norte’s New Corella town, a spokesperson for the New People’s Army rebels, Marcella Valiente, said.

Valiente said Wednesday ambush was part of a tactical offensive of the New People’s Army, which is fighting the past four decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

“Three high-powered rifles - one M16 Armalite, one M14 rifle and one M1 rifle - were seized. Two paramilitary elements of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit were killed on the spot while two others were wounded, including the commander of the Philippine Army detachment in the same barangay (village). There were no casualties on our side,” Valiente said.

“This tactical offensive against combatants of the regular and paramilitary forces is a legitimate military action by the people’s army. It is an attack against the 72nd Infantry Battalion and CAFGU forces in El Salvador, who have figured in many incidents of violations of human rights in the area. These prevalent acts include, but are not limited to, mauling of civilians, extortion, serious threats and repression of farmers.”

Valiente said those wounded in the attack were given medical treatment by the rebels, but it was unknown whether they had been taken prisoners or not.

The military did not give any statement about the ambush. (Mindanao Examiner)