2 leftist rebels killed in encounter in NegOr

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) were killed and another was wounded in an encounter this morning in central Philippines, a military official said.

Lt. Jim Aris Alagao, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Central Command, said the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion was conducting security operations when they caught up with an undetermined number of rebels at Balayong village in Pamplona town, Negros Oriental province at around 6:30 a.m.

Alagao said the firefight between government troops and leftist rebels lasted for an hour. The NPA guerrillas then withdrew, leaving behind their three comrades and five M16 rifles which were recovered by soldiers.

He said no one was reported killed or injured on the military side.

Alagao said government security forces have launched pursuit operations against the leftist rebels who managed to escape and that helicopters of the Philippine Air Force are on standby to support the troops.

The AFP Central Command said the security operation was initiated by the government to ensure that Negros Oriental province will return to a "state of normalization" and to convince NPA guerrillas to lay down their arms.