Philippine troops occupy leftist encampment in southern region

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Philippine government troops occupied an encampment of leftist insurgents following a fierce gunbattle late Wednesday in the mountains of Davao region, the military said Thursday.

The government troops attacked the camp of the New People's Army (NPA) and encountered 60 fully armed rebels in the village of Sibulan in Toril District of Davao, said Emmanuel Garcia, Spokesman of the 10th Army Division.

The clashes ensued for 30 minutes before the rebels abandoned their camp and escaped with their casualties.

Garcia said the army rangers captured the camp that has 10 huts and recovered improvised explosive device (IED).

Carlos Holganza, commander of the 10th Army Division, believed that the recovered bomb was part of the explosives utilized by the NPA in their attacks against the troops and civilians.

"We hope to get rid of these IEDs especially those planted by the rebels along roads and bridges that endanger the life of every passerby," Holganza said in a statement.

Last week, at least 11 IEDs were also recovered by the army troops in their three days of operation. The recovery has already brought to 30 improvised bombs recovered from the NPA rebels.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army Chief Reynaldo Mapagu said the military had enhanced operations against the NPA rebels following a series of attacks in Davao region against the military and civilians.

The military estimates the NPA strength at more than 4,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.

Peace talks between the government and the leftists bogged down in 2004 after the United States included the NPA and its parent body as foreign terrorist organizations. The Philippine military is aiming to defeat the leftists based on the directive of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Enditem

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