1 killed, 2 wounded in clash with leftist rebels in Camarines

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - One militiaman was killed, while two soldiers were injured in today's clash between leftist rebels and government troops in the northern province of Camarines Sur, a military official said.

According to Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman for the 9th Infantry Division, seven soldiers and five members of the CAFGU under the 49th Infantry Battalion were securing the village of Agao-ao when they were attacked by 20 rebels belonging to the New People's Army around 4:15 a.m., local time.

The soldiers were in the village to provide security at Agao-ao Elemtary School where several Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines were delivered to be used in Monday's midterm elections.

Ltc. Michael Buhat, Commanding Officer of the 49IB, said combat medics are now attending to the wounded soldiers and assured that they are in stable condition. He's yet to inform the family of the slain militiaman.