5 policemen wounded in clash with leftist rebels in Surigao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Five policemen were wounded following a clash with leftist rebels in southern Philippines yesterday, officials said today.

Police commandos from the 11th Special Action Force were conducting combat patrol in Sta. Cruz, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur when they encountered some 30 New People's Army guerrillas at 10:30 a.m., according to Martin Gamba, Caraga police regional spokesperson.

A 20-minute fire fight ensued that led to the wounding of five police officers, said Gamba, adding the rebels who have also suffered casualties immediately fled upon the arrival of police reinforcements.

The police official said the wounded were taken to a local hospital for treatment while the pursuit operations against the rebels were launched.