(UPDATE) 2 soldiers killed, 3 injured in MisOr clashes

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least two soldiers were killed while three others injured in clashes between government security forces and leftist rebels in Misamis Oriental today, a military official said.

Captain Christian Uy, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, said government troops chanced upon an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Umagos village, Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental province at 5:30 a.m. Friday.

Uy told Xinhua in a telephone interview that three soldiers were wounded in the first encounter. One soldier was killed an hour later as troops clearing an area for rescue helicopters came under rebel fire.

Fleeing NPA guerrillas again clashed with soldiers who were closing off an area in Kibanban village, Balingsag town at 8:30 a. m. One soldier was killed in the firefight.

Uy said pursuit operations have been launched against the leftist rebels.