Troops Ambushed By Communists Before Cease-Fire

Eleven people, including 10 soldiers, were killed Tuesday in an ambush laid by suspected New People's Army (NPA) militants, reports the Philippine Star.

A 12-man squad from the 63rd Infantry Battalion was returning to its base ahead of a planned Christmas truce when they were attacked by an unknown number of rebels, according to an Armed Forces Central Command spokesman.

Ten troops were killed as was a nine-year-old boy who was swimming in the river, the spokesman said. Two...