9 wounded in clash with leftist rebels in Agusan

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least nine people got hurt when security forces clashed with leftist rebels in Agusan del Sur early today, the military said.

Seven soldiers, a policeman and a militiaman were wounded in a pre-dawn clash with New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas at a hinterland village in San Luis, a town in Mindanao's Agusan del Sur province, according to Captain Christian Uy, spokesperson for the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division.

In a text message to Xinhua, Captain Uy said the troops from the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion and local policemen were on their way back to camp after a joint operation when they came under fire at Balit village around 1:50 a.m.

"A firefight then ensued, lasting to 45 minutes before the insurgents fled. Nine of our soldiers and police were wounded and had to be rushed to a hospital," said Uy, but he did not disclose whether there was any casualties on the rebels' side.