3 leftist rebels killed, 5 soldiers injured in Gingoog clash

COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three leftists rebels were killed while five government security forces wounded as they clashed today in Gingoog City, a military official said.

Army Major Leo Bongosia, spokesman for the military's 4th Division, said troops under Philippine Marine Batallion Landing Team 3 were conducting security patrol for the peaceful conduct of Monday's holding of elections in Northern Mindanao when they encountered undetermined number of New People' s Army rebels.

He said fighting erupted, leaving three fatalities on the enemy side.

"We have five Marines wounded and a pursuit operation is going on," he said.

The incident occurred as the military raised the red alert in the region after the Commission on Elections deputized them to secure the political process tomorrow.