MANILA, Philippines - Government troops have repelled a series of attacks of suspected communist rebels in Capiz and Iloilo provinces in connection with the upcoming anniversary of the New People's Army on March 29.
Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan,commander of the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion, told state-run Philippine News Agency that soldiers were in Barangays Daan Sure and Abangay in Tapaz and in Barangay Agcalaga, Calinog, when the rebels attacked them around 2 p.m. on Monday
The government troops retaliated and fended off the rebel siege after a brief firefight, the military official said.
The attacks in the areas were reportedly directed at vital government installations to "celebrate" NPA's anniversary this month.
Llapitan said no soldier was wounded during the attacks.
Government troops recovered from the scene a damaged M-16 receiver, magazine parts, eight rounds of unserviceable M-16 ammunition, seven rounds of live M-16 ammunition and two rounds of M-14 shells.