Philippine Maoist Rebels Claim Killing 31 Troops, 38 Firearms Seized In May

Komfie Manalo - AHN Correspondent

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal said communist rebels have killed 31 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, while seizing some 38 firearms from security forces since May 3.

Rosal said the firearms include high-powered weapons such as M-60 machine guns.

The CPP, and its armed wing, the NPA have been waging Maoist-style guerilla warfare in the Philippines since the 1970s.

Rosal said communist rebels launched over a dozen tactical offensives in at least seven provinces in the last two weeks.

He said the communist rebels, which the CPP claimed to be operating in more than 100 guerrilla fronts across the country, lost only one rebel fighter and listed two others as wounded.

AHN