3 civilians injured in NPA attack in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three civilians were injured when they were hit by a grenade and bullets fired by New People's Army (NPA) rebels during an attack on a military detachment in Masbate this morning, said military officials.

Clint Antipala, public affairs officer of the Philippine army's 903rd Brigade, said one of the victims was a 15-year-old high school student. He added that the injured were in hospital for treatment.

Antipala said about 20 rebels attacked a temporary patrol base of the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company in Sitio Guiwanon in barangay Danao of San Jacinto town around 8:40 a.m. local time, with the use of rifles and grenade launchers.

He said the civilians were carrying copra and passing a detachment when the rebels attacked the detachment.

"They were near the detachment and were hit by an M203 grenade and bullets coming from the NPAs," he said.

Antipala said the rebels withdrew after a 10-minute firefight which left no one killed or injured on the military side. Meanwhile, the official said the retreating rebels sustained undetermined number of casualties.