5 Policemen repulse NPA raid in Mobo Station

             About 50 suspected communist rebels disguised as soldiers have attacked a town hall compound in Masbate but were repulsed by police. Three policemen were wounded in the clash.

            Regional police commander Cecilio Calleja says the New People's Army rebels attempted to enter a police station early Sunday in the government compound in Mobo town in Masbate province.

            Calleja says the policemen sensed it was an attack and opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. The Maoist guerrillas withdrew toward a forested mountain after an hour, reportedly carrying some wounded comrades.

            Government negotiator Alex Padilla, who heads talks with the rebels, renewed a call for a cease-fire.

            Talks resumed this year on ending one of Asia's longest-running Marxist rebellions, but clashes have continued. (AP) August 14, 2011