MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Officials say army troops have clashed with communist rebels in the northern Philippines, leaving three people dead.
Army Maj. Randolph Cabangbang says an army platoon on patrol caught up Tuesday with 20 New People's Army rebels in Quezon province's General Nakar town, triggering a battle that killed two rebels and a soldier.
He says troops recovered the bodies of two slain rebels and captured two others, one of whom was wounded. A soldier and two civilians were also wounded.
The 6,000-strong NPA has been fighting for a Marxist-led state for nearly 40 years. The rebels withdrew from peace talks in 2004, accusing the government of instigating their inclusion on U.S. and European Union terrorist lists. |