SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines — Seven were killed as soldiers foiled an attempt by hundreds of guerillas to commemorate in Palimbang town Saturday the 52nd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The seven New People’s Army fatalities were shot dead one after another by personnel of units under the 603rd Infantry Brigade in a series of encounters the past three days in the surroundings of Mount Lumuton in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Local officials hoisted the Philippine flag Friday on a hill surrounded by rainforests where some 200 NPAs converged to celebrate the CPP’s 52nd founding anniversary. Ethnic Teduray farmers Urbano Tandes and Tidew Saliling separately said at least 11 NPAs were wounded in the gunfights. Lumuton said more than 50 NPAs perished in clashes with soldiers in their municipalities since January.

Source: Philippine Star December 25, 2020 07:35 UTC