Rebels attack ahead of Philippine president's visit: report (AFP)

MANILA (AFP) - Suspected communist rebels staged a bombing and ambushed soldiers in the central Philippines Tuesday, just hours ahead of a visit by President Gloria Arroyo, military and television reports said. A bomb went off on the outskirts of Placer town in Masbate island but caused no serious damage, said local army commander Major General Jeffrey Sodusta. Masbate police, quoted by ABS-CBN television, said the attack was carried out by the communist New People's Army (NPA) possibly targeting security forces who were coming to the town to safeguard Arroyo's visit. Police would not say if it was an assassination attempt against Arroyo, the report added. Earlier in the day, a soldier was killed in an ambush by NPA guerrillas, said military spokeswoman Captain Leah Santiago. The rebels also ambushed a vehicle carrying... [read full story]