(UPDATE) 5 suspected leftist rebels killed in Sorsogon clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least five suspected leftist rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in eastern Philippines today, a military official said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said two New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas were also captured by soldiers.

Zagala said combined units of the Philippine Army from the 903rd Infantry Brigade encountered around 25 rebels in Bolocawe village in Matnog town, Sorsogon province at 5:44 a.m. today.

Government troops were deployed to the area after the military received information that the NPA guerrillas were conducting extortion activities.

Recovered from the encounter site were the bodies of five dead NPA guerrillas, two M-16 rifles, two M-653 rifles, and an M203 grenade launcher.