2 soldiers killed in NPA attack on Davao police station

MANILA, Philippines — At least two soldiers and a communist rebel were killed in a New People's Army (NPA) assault on Mati City police station in Davao Oriental, Sunday night.

NPA rebels attempted to capture the police station as members of the Army's 701st Infantry Brigade reinforced duty police officers who were under fire past 7 p.m.

An undetermined number of NPA guerillas stormed the station at 7:30 p.m., while Army troopers arrived 30 minutes later, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson 1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra said in a state news report.

Cops trapped in the station, meanwhile, stood their ground in the ensuing firefight and eventually succeeded in countering the NPA offensive as the military arrived to assist, Lacambra said.

Armored vehicles were also mobilized to protect civilian areas near the station, he added.

Government forces continue to pursue fleeing NPA rebels as military and police personnel secure public areas.

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The attack came after the Armed Forces claimed Davao Oriental, a known hotspot of the NPA, was safe and free from armed rebellion. - Camille Diola