Monday, December 26, 2011

News Update 3 Filipino policemen wounded repulsing rebel raid

ANILA (AP) - About 50 suspected communist rebels disguised as soldiers have attacked a town hall compound in the central Philippines but were repulsed by police. Three policemen were wounded in the clash.

Regional police commander Cecilio Calleja says the New People's Army rebels attempted to enter a police station early on Sunday in the government compound in Mobo town in Masbate province.

Mr Calleja says the policemen sensed it was an attack and opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. The Maoist guerrillas withdrew toward a forested mountain after an hour.

Government negotiator Alex Padilla, who heads talks with the rebels, renewed a call for a cease-fire.