NPAs raid Army base; 3 killed, 3 wounded

MANILA, Philippines -  Communist rebels overran an Army patrol base in Compostela Valley yesterday morning, killing three government troopers and wounding a militiaman and two civilians. 

Col. Leopoldo Gallon, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the government troops, although they were outnumbered, put up a gallant stand against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who swooped down on their patrol base in Barangay Tagnanan, Mabini town. 

Gallon said it took almost an hour for the rebels to overwhelm the undermanned troops, killing Sgt. Danilo Baniued and militiamen Ricardo Diaz and Raul Consulta.

Another militiaman, Tirzo Diaz, and two civilians, identified as Cecilia Consulta and Burtogo Consulta, were wounded in the NPA assault.

Gallon said the NPA attackers, who were clad in military uniforms and were onboard two Mitsubishi Canter trucks, carted away three M-14 rifles, three Garands and a carbine.

The attack took place as Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. was visiting the 10th IB headquarters in Mawab, Compostela Valley.  – With Edith Regalado