MANILA, Philippines - A suspected communist rebel was killed as government security forces overran a rebel camp in Quezon province Thursday, a regional military spokesperson said.
In a text message sent Friday to reporters, Capt. Leah Santiago of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said the encounter erupted 7:30 a.m. Thursday when patrolling elements of the Army Scout Rangers and the 1st Infantry Battalion chanced upon 30 New People's Army rebels at Sitio Katmutan, Cagsigay village in Mauban town.
Santiago said there were no government casualties in the 30-minute firefight. A landmine was recovered from the rebels.
Likewise, the operating troops were able to seize the rebel encampment in the area, Santiago said.
In June 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered government security forces to crush the insurgency by the end of her term in 2010.
Peace talks with the mainstream communist movement have remained stalled since August 2004. - GMANews.TV