Philippine communist rebels storm police station

Manila, June 18: The Philippine Police say communist guerrillas have stormed a police station in a central province and seized a dozen assault rifles and pistols, two-way radios, cash, jewellery and a patrol car.

Regional police chief superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag condemned the attack by about 50 New People’s Army guerrillas Sunday in Iloilo province’s Maasin town, saying criminal complaints would be filed against the gunmen. The rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, which they said they carried out without firing a shot to punish Maasin cops who were allegedly involved in extortion and failed to stop the spread of illegal drugs and gambling.