NPA rebels kill 4 soldiers in Davao City

SULU, Philippines – New People's Army rebels attacked and killed four soldiers in the outskirts of Davao City in the southern Philippines, a rebel spokesman said on Sunday. The rebels ambushed the soldiers as they were returning to an Army base on Saturday near a hinterland village in Paquibato district, a known NPA stronghold. Police confirmed the killings and identified the slain soldiers as Privates First Class Gregorio Basut, Lorday Inog, Florencio Lealde and Armando Neneil. The NPA has previously attacked soldiers and civilians aiding the military in its anti-insurgency campaign in the southern Philippines. Rebel forces have carried out attacks in Davao City against security forces. Rebel leaders broke off peace talks with Manila in 2004 after it accused the Arroyo administration of reneging to its commitment in releasing hundreds of political prisoners and put a stop to extra-judicial killings of activist, among others. - Al Jacinto