3 alleged Reds captured in Nueva Ecija clash

MANILA, Philippines - Three suspected New People’s Army rebels were captured by government security forces following a firefight Monday in the northern Philippine province of Nueva Ecija, a statement from the Philippine Army said. About 9 a.m. Monday, combined elements of the 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company, Army Intelligence Group and General Tinio police engaged about 40 NPA rebels at Sitio Kabilogan, Rio Chico in General Tinio town. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said a 20-minute firefight then ensued which resulted to the capture of three insurgents and the recovery of three M16 rifles, a Motorola hand held radio and subversive documents. Army Lt. Hector de Leon was wounded in the said encounter and had been brought to a hospital for treatment, Brawner said. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It has been waging a Maoist insurgency campaign for 39 years. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had given instructions to security forces to crush the communist insurgency by the end of her term in June 2010. - GMANews.TV