Reds fire at troops ahead of Arroyo visit in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected communist rebels on Tuesday morning fired at Army soldiers in Masbate ahead of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's visit in the province, a regional military spokesman said. About 7:45 a.m., troops headed by one Lt. Bilog were on board a civilian vehicle when fired upon by an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Bagacay village in Mobo town, said Army 9th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Christopher Morales. At the time of the incident, Morales said the troops were on their way to Cataingan town. Incidentally, Mobo town is located about 90 kilometers away from Placer town, where President Arroyo was scheduled to convene a Cabinet meeting. Morales said no casualties were reported on both sides, even as the troops immediately returned fire against the ambushers. He added that pursuit operations are on going against the rebel attackers. Earlier in the day, a landmine explosion occurred about 3 a.m. in Ban-ao village in Placer town. No one was injured in the explosion. - GMANews.TV