Suspected rebel killed in Davao Sur clash — police

A suspected communist rebel was killed while another one was captured following a clash with government troops in the southern province of Davao del Sur early Wednesday, a regional police official said. Around 7:40 a.m., patrolling elements of the 6th Scout Ranger Company engaged an about 25 suspected New People's Army rebels at Sitio Tagalala in Manuel Peralta village in Malita town, said Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, Davao del Sur provincial police commander. The identities of the rebel fatality and the captured insurgent were not immediately available. Dela Rosa said no government casualties were reported in the incident. The operating troops also recovered the following arsenal from the rebels: an M14 rifle, a Garand rifle, a Carbine rifle, a caliber-22 rifle, an improvised explosive device, among others. Pursuit operations are ongoing, Dela Rosa said. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It will mark its 42nd founding anniversary on March 29. Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front remain stalled since August 2004. Last week, a joint communiqué issued by the government and the NDF said the respective negotiating panels will recommend a ceasefire from February 15 to 21 as formal talks resume under the auspices of the Royal Norwegian Government. The government and the rebel forces observed an 18-day truce during the holiday season, marred by accusations of violations from both camps. — RSJ, GMANews.TV