3 hurt in NPA attack in Compostela Valley — official

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three people, including two soldiers, were hurt when suspected communist rebels attacked a military patrol base in southern Philippines late Wednesday, a regional Army spokesman said. Captain Emmanuel Garcia of the 10th Infantry Division, said some 50 rebels attacked the base in Compostela Valley’s Maragusan town. He said two soldiers and a civilian were wounded in the raid. Troops fought the New People's Army (NPA) rebels for more than half an hour until the attackers retreated on board two trucks they earlier hijacked in the town, Garcia said. ' "Government soldiers recovered one of the trucks and pursuit operation is ongoing," he said. Major General Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th ID, said the rebels disregarded the safety of civilians when they attacked the patrol base. He said many civilians were near the base when the rebels attacked. Peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) have remained stalled since August 2004. The Aquino administration has yet to announce when talks will resume. — Al Jacinto/RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV