2 soldiers killed in southern Philippine clash

Two soldiers were killed and two others injured in a series of clashes Tuesday with leftist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Misamis Oriental province in southern Philippines, a military official said Wednesday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, deputy public affairs officer of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, said the fighting broke out around 7:16 a.m. in Umangos village, Lagonglong town where the soldiers were conducting patrol.

Martinez said the soldiers were sent to the area after they received information that a group of rebels were reportedly conducting extortion activity.

He said the soldiers traded fire with the rebel group, which was composed of at least 10 men, leaving one soldier wounded.

At around 10:00 a.m. about 20 rebels engaged government troops that were tasked to evacuate the injured soldier. He said a 20- minute clash ensued, resulting in the death of another soldier and wounding of another.

Four hours later, the official said pursuing soldiers caught up with at least 20 rebels in the same village, leaving one soldier dead. He said two MG-520 attack helicopters provided close-air support for the engaged troops.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign against the government in the countryside for four decades. Endi