(UPDATE) 2 soldiers killed in Albay attack

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two soldiers were shot to death by suspected members of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) in eastern Philippines this morning, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Perfecto Pearedondo, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion, said the two soldiers were on their way to an evacuation center in Anislag village, Daraga town in Albay province to check the security situation when they were waylaid by NPA guerrillas.

Pearedondo said a squad was deployed to go after the fleeing leftist rebels. The soldiers then encountered about five NPA guerrillas who managed to escape after a five-minute firefight.

Military officials said soldiers are now tracking down the NPA guerrillas.