Philippine rebels storm police station, seize assault rifles

Maasin, Iloilo. (Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines—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, jewelry 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 20-minute attack, which they said they carried out without firing a shot to punish Maasin policemen who were allegedly involved in extortion and have failed to take action to stop the spread of illegal drugs and gambling.

The communist rebels staged the attack as troops struggled to end a 27-day siege by Islamic State group-aligned militants in southern Marawi city.