Gov't troops overrun NPA camp, kill 3 rebels in S. Philippines

Three New People's Army (NPA) rebels died as government troops overran a rebel camp on the outskirts of Makilala town in the southern province of North Cotabato Sunday afternoon, the military said. Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military's Eastern Mindanao Command, said the troops from the 57th Infantry Battalion, swooped down at the rebel camp at Village Biangan at around 1:20 p. m. Galon said fighting between the soldiers and about 30 rebels manning the camp ensued for about 30 minutes until the insurgents withdrew, leaving behind three dead comrades. There were no casualties on the military side. Galon said the troops have already recovered two M16 rifles and two M14 rifles at the rebel camp, which was still subject to clearing operations. "Pursuit operation is launched against retreating enemy," added Galon. Acting Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the military learned of the rebel camp through information provided by a civilian tipster who guided the soldiers towards the camp situated in a forested part of the town. Quoting 57th Infantry Battalion chief Lt. Col. Noel dela Cruz, Cabunoc said they were coordinating with village officials for the identification of the slain rebels even as he assured that the three rebels will be given a decent burial. The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for more than four decades. The Philippine military estimates over 4,000 NPA guerrilla fighters are scattered in more than 60 provinces throughout the country.