Top leftist rebel leader caught in Philippines

Manila, July 8 (IANS) Security forces arrested a top ranking female leftist rebel leader in the southern Philippines Monday, a military official said Tuesday.

Military officials identified the captured leader of the New People's Army (NPA) as Mercy B. Maghinay, alias Joyceee, Xinhua reported.

Maghinay was captured by soldiers following a brief firefight in the village of Guibo in Siayan town, Zamboanga del Norte province, the officials said.

Philippine army's 1st Infantry Division's spokesman said that soldiers recovered a gun and a hand grenade from the rebel leader.

The spokesman said that Maghinay was behind the burning of construction equipment in Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte province, Nov 19 last year.

The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging war against the Philippine government since 1969.