6 rebels captured in N. Ecija on eve of NPA anniversary — AFP

Six communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were captured following a clash with government forces in Nueva Ecija province Wednesday, the eve of the rebel group’s 43rd founding anniversary.   Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said the soldiers from the 56^th Infantry Battalion and local policemen were about to serve a search warrant on a suspected NPA lair in Sto Niño village in Sta. Rosa town at about 4:45 p.m Wednesday when the fighting ensued.   “The joint patrolling elements were approaching an isolated farmhouse in the said village when they were met with gunfire from the rebels who occupied the said hut, prompting the soldiers to retaliate,” said Cabunoc.   The clash lasted for 10 minutes, Cabunoc said. Six rebels were cornered and were immediately captured while an undetermined number escaped.   One of the captured rebels, identified as Efren Delalamon,alias Baste, was wounded in the arm and treated by Army combat medics. The five others were identified as Carla Ramos Bautista, alias Joy, a political instructor of the Central Luzon Regional Committee; Andres Lapuz Ely, alias Marco; John Michael Ilito; Felix Sarabia; and Ambrosio Ilito.   The rebels yielded two hand grenade, five ammunition for cal. 45, 121 ammunition for M16, a Toshiba laptop computer, a portable generator set, an Icom radio, a handcuff; three cellphones, assorted medical paraphernalia and medicines, and P116,000 cash.   The six are under the custody of the Nueva Ecija provincial police office for filing of appropriate charges.   Both the government and the rebels had said it would not declare a ceasefire despite the observance of the Holy Week.   The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), celebrated its anniversary Thursday. - KBK, GMA News