Breaking Tailgate handle screws loose?

[custom10nut]

I have my Tailgate off so I could repair some rust holes, and figured I could take the Latch Handle off, to clean it up and prep for painting later.
It appears that the mounting screws have never been loosened since the truck left the Factory in 1970.
My question is this:
Is there an easy/safe way to get the Three mounting screws loose without stripping them out?
As I was leaving the shop, I sprayed them with penetrating oil, and tapped on them to help with the process.
In the morning, I’ll spray the other side the best I can to hopefully get the threads penetrated.
I’ve been fortunate (so far) with any disassembly I’ve done, in that the bolts are coming loose without me breaking off any of them. I hope my streak continues