(UPDATE) 4 killed as militiamen clash with leftist rebels in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least four people were killed after fighting erupted between tribal militiamen and members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) yesterday, Philippine army and police officials said today.

Carl Omar Fiel, town police chief, said two members of the Alamara tribal militia were also wounded in the fighting in Gupitan village, Kapalong town in Davao del Norte province.

Fiel said Alamara militiamen under a certain Ongging Mansaloon engaged about 20 NPA guerrillas in a firefight at around 4 p.m. local time. The two-hour clash resulted in the death of Mansaloon' s 21-year-old son and three leftist rebels. The chieftain and another tribal militiaman were injured.

Colonel Harold Cabreros, commander of the Philippine Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said several rifles and improved explosives were also recovered at the site of the encounter.

Last month, the 100-strong Alamara declared a "pangayaw" or tribal war against the NPA guerrillas whom the group accused of committing human rights abuses and violating tribal culture in Gupitan - an upland village rich in timber.