Philippine forces capture 13 rebels
Published: Mar 11, 2010 00:09 Updated: Mar 11, 2010 00:09
DAVAO CITY, Philippines: 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.
Meanwhile in another development, the new military chief of the Philippines Wednesday said he would work toward safe, free and fair voting in May's national elections amid fears that his appointment was part of a plot to disrupt the crucial polls.
General Delfin Bangit has been accused of participating in cheating in the 2004 elections to ensure President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's victory. He has denied the allegations.
"Amidst all the fears, controversies and issues, I want to assure each and every Filipino that I am for the healthy exercise of democracy," he said in a speech at a ceremony to mark his appointment as chief of staff.
"I will do everything in my power to fight the enemies of democracy," he added. "We will protect your votes as if they were our own. This is not lip service."
— With input from agencies
