4 people killed in Fretilin attack

DILI, East Timor: Four people died on Saturday when anti- integration Fretilin rebels attacked residents of Cribbas village, Manatuto regency, about 100 kilometers east of here.

Chief of Manatuto military post Lt. Col. Daud Napis said yesterday that the residents had been trying to move the graves of two people from Ailete village to Cribbas.

Those who died from spear and machete wounds were Maumesak, 17, Filomeno, 30, Antonio Malae, 40, and Norberto, 40.

Valentin Soares, 35, who survived the attack, said they had been about to enter the forest when they heard shots.

Daud said the men were attacked by rebels known to have been moving in the area surrounding Ailete. The village's soil is fertile and there is plenty of game to hunt.

Troops had been called in to pursue the attackers.

Daud called on local people to remain on the alert in case of further attack. (03/05)