NPA Rebels Ambush Philippine Government Troops in Mindanao

The New People's Army (NPA) rebels launched a surprise attack on Philippine government troops in Mindanao, injuring five soldiers and killing one of the insurgents. The ambush occurred in the village of Anibongan, Lingig town, northeastern Mindanao, where the rebels waylaid a truck carrying troops at around 6:15 a.m. on Monday. The military is still trying to identify the slain NPA guerrilla, and the troops were responding to a call to help track down the NPA rebels who abducted Lingig town Mayor Roberto Luna from his residence on Sunday.

Key Takeaways:

• The NPA rebels ambushed Philippine government troops in the village of Anibongan, Lingig town, northeastern Mindanao, injuring five soldiers.
• One NPA insurgent was killed in the attack, and the military is still trying to determine their identity.
• The troops were responding to a call to help track down the NPA rebels who abducted Lingig town Mayor Roberto Luna from his residence on Sunday.
• The rebels, disguised in military uniforms, raided the town's police station and fled with a large cache of firearms owned by the mayor and the police station.
• Mayor Roberto Luna was released by his abductors hours after the attacks.
• The NPA leaders stated that they had no reason to keep the mayor, and that they used him "as part of the combat so they could gain entry into the police station."

Statistics:

• 5 soldiers were injured in the ambush
• 1 NPA insurgent was killed in the attack
• 1 truck carrying troops was waylaid by the rebels
• 6:15 a.m. on Monday was the time of the ambush
• Mayor Roberto Luna was abducted on Sunday afternoon
• The rebels released Luna hours after the attacks

Sources:

• Xinhua News Agency (Copyright 2006)