Reds attack Army patrol base; 1 dead

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary was killed when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked an Army patrol base in Agusan del Norte before midnight on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Lynart Castisimo, commander of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion, identified the militiaman as Rodolfo Calumpac, a resident of Barangay Manoligao.

Villagers said some 50 NPA guerrillas attacked the patrol base in Barangay Manoligao in Carmen towns. The patrol base is near the Therma Marine Power Barge.

Castisimo said the military is on alert after the incident amid reports that communist rebels plan to attack vital installations.

A manhunt has been launched for the rebels.