Manila, July 24: Seven communist guerrillas were killed in two clashes in the northern and central Philippines, military officials said today. Five guerrillas of the communist New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with soldiers in the central island of Samar yesterday, said Military Central Command chief Major General Jacinto Ligot.
In another incident, two NPA fighters were killed in a clash with soldiers near in Abra province on Tuesday, at the height of typhoon Imbudo, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Preme Monta said.
In another development, an Army Lieutenant was shot and wounded by NPA fighters in southern Agusan Del Norte Province on Tuesday, Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jose Kakilala said. The 9,000-strong NPA has recently stepped up attacks on government targets, engaging in mass raids on military and police outposts and business establishments that resist extortion demands.
President Gloria Arroyo suspended peace talks with the communists in 2001 after the NPA killed two Congressmen. Bureau Report