(UPDATE) 3 suspected leftist rebels killed in Cotabato clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three suspected members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) were killed following an encounter with government troops in southern Philippines, a military official said today.

Philippine Army's 1002nd Brigade spokesman Captain Rey Balibagoso said troops from the 27th Infantry Battalion clashed with an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas at Tudok village in T'boli town, South Cotabato province at 11 a.m., Sunday.

He said the leftist rebels and soldiers exchanged fire for at least half an hour. The NPA guerrillas then tried to flee towards Kiamba town in Sarangani province.

The military official said an MG-520 helicopter, which was earlier called to provide air support to ground troops, delivered machine gun and rocket fires to the fleeing rebels.

Balibagoso said the military was not able to recover the bodies of the supposedly slain rebels and that its report on rebel casualties was based on the account of civilians who saw NPA guerrillas carrying their dead comrades while withdrawing.