Leftist rebels kill 2 soldiers in Agusan clash

COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) - Leftist rebels killed at least two soldiers as they clashed yesterday afternoon in Agusan del Sur, a military official said today.

Troops under 26th Infantry Battalion were on a patrol mission around 4:00 p.m. in the Esperanza township when they encountered more than 15 armed New People's Army rebels, regional military spokesman Leo Bongosia said.

A fire fight ensued, leaving two government soldiers dead, Bongosia said.

"There's an on-going operation. We dispatch troops to pursue the rebels," he said.

The incident happened days after the rebels stormed Sienna Lyn Corporation in the same town and killed five of the firms' workers.