Three dead in rebel attack in southern Philippines

Three dead in rebel attack in southern Philippines

2011-07-31 00:46:41 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA (BNO NEWS) -- At least three civilians were killed on Saturday when suspected communist rebels attacked a police station in southern Philippines, the military said.

Two police officers were also injured after about 200 suspected New People's Army members attacked the police station in the town of Trento in Agusan del Sur province, Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal said as reported by GMA News. Other official sources, however, said the attackers numbered about 40.

Rafal added that the attackers tried to overrun the police station but fled after the station's personnel fought back. He said suspected communist rebels were also injured in the predawn attack.

Earlier this month, about 40 New People's Army rebels attacked a mining company compound in the central island of Negros in an attempt to force the mining company to pay revolutionary taxes.

The New People's Army is the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The rebels have been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the largely Catholic country.

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