2 rebel suspects killed in Albay clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two suspected members of New People 's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in Albay today, the military said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, chief of public affairs office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the soldiers from the Bravo Company, Second Infantry Battalion were on security patrol when they received a report from a concerned citizen that about six leftist rebels were sighted in Badbad village in Oas town allegedly conducting extortion activities.

Zagala said the troops immediately proceeded to verify the report and secure the civilians when the rebels allegedly opened fire at them.

The firefight lasted for five minutes and resulted in the death of two alleged NPA members known only as alias Dennis, team leader of the rebels, and alias Peter, Zagala said.

The encounter also resulted in the seizure of two M16 rifles and bandoleers, he said, adding that the other rebels fled.

The military said there was no casualty from the government troops.

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