34 Philippine Rebels, 2 Militiamen Slain

At least 34 Communist rebels and two militiamen were killed and scores wounded Saturday in a gun battle in the southern Philippines, the military said.

Army Col. Orlando Soriano said a 70-man group belonging to the New People’s Army was on its way to attack a militia camp in the hinterlands of South Cotabato province when it was sighted by militia forces. The militiamen engaged the guerrillas in a two-hour battle 15 miles from General Santos. Two rebels were captured.