3 soldiers killed in clash in Surigao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion triggered by leftist rebels in Mindanao early today.

One soldier was also wounded as a firefight ensued in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, according to Major Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the army's 4th Infantry Division.

Bongosia said troops conducting combat patrol in the vicinity of Buhisan village ran into a suspected training camp of the New People's Army (NPA).

An improvised explosive went off, killing three soldiers as troops engaged about 30 leftist guerrillas in a fierce clash.