MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Communist guerrillas in the Philippines have been ordered to give humanitarian assistance to typhoon victims.
The Manila Bulletin, quoting Tuesday a communication from the spokesman for the Communist Party Philippines, Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, said New People's Army guerrillas were to help look for survivors and give food to typhoon victims in Albay, Msbate, Catanduane, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, Quezon and other areas.
The NPA, he added, would be ready to coordinate its efforts with local and international relief agencies.
As many as 1,000 people are believed to have died in a massive typhoon that hit the Philippines earlier this week, causing flooding and landslides.
NPA rebels, present throughout the country, have fought the central government for more than 30 years. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the military to defeat the insurgency once and for all within the next two years.
