(UPDATE) 2 rebels killed in Agusan clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Two suspected rebels were killed in an encounter with pursuing government troops in the southern Philippines before noon today, a military official said.

Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, said security forces caught up with some 20 members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Binicalan village, San Luis town in Agusan del Sur province at 11 a.m.

Visaya said troops recovered the bodies of the suspected leftist rebels and eight high-powered firearms-four AK47 rifles, two M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher and an AR15 rifle.

No one was reported killed or injured on the government side.

Visaya said government troops have been pursuing the rebels in Binicalan village since Wednesday. He said soldiers were sent to the village after residents complained about the extortion activities of NPA guerrillas in the area.