Rebels break Christmas truce

Rebels break Christmas truce

PHILIPPINES: Suspected communist guerrillas in the western Philippines island of Palawan fired on an army outpost in the first attack since a Christmas truce expired this week, a military spokesman said on Tuesday.

No one was hurt in the incident, a military spokesman said.

The attack came a day after a two-week unilateral guerrilla cease-fire expired. President Gloria Arroyo had also ordered a three-week military cease-fire during the Christmas season.

A communist New People's Army (NPA) statement said the cease- fire had ended and NPA units were now free to "carry out their own tactical plans for offensives to punish those who violate human rights and oppress the people". -- AFP