3 cops killed in clash with leftist rebels in Ifugao

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three police officers were killed and three others wounded in an ambush by suspected leftist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Ifugao, local police said today.

According to Ifugao Provicial Police Office, the combined police personnel from Ifugao and Benguet provinces were conducting combat operations on Friday morning when they encountered a group of undetermined number of rebels in Namal village, Asipulo town.

The victims were airlifted to Lagawe General Hospital, police said, adding that pursuit operations have been ongoing against the rebels. However, the police did not mention whether there was any loss on the rebel side.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.