(UPDATE) Soldier, 2 leftist rebels die in Surigao clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two alleged leftist rebels and a government soldier were killed in a clash between the New People's Army (NPA) with government troops in southern Philippines today, following the group's top leaders were captured last Saturday, military said.

Captain Christian Uy, spokesperson for the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, told Xinhua by text message that troops from the 6th Scout Rangers Company were conducting combat patrol when they encountered an undetermined number of NPA rebels at Carmen town in Surigao del Sur province this morning.

Uy said two leftist gunmen were killed in the 35-minute fire fight erupt at about 5:40 a.m. local time. Soldiers also recovered two AK-47 rifles from the slain NPA guerrillas, he added.

According to Captain Uy, aside from the slain soldier, another government trooper was also wounded and immediately evacuated for treatment as pursuit operations continue against the fleeing rebels.

today's clash came as NPA leaders in the region threaten to intensify the attacks against soldiers and police following the arrest of top rebel couple Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria in the Central Philippine island of Cebu over the weekend.