Philippine troops kill 6 communist rebels

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military says at least six communist guerrillas and one government militiaman have been killed in the latest clash in which the rebels have suffered losses.

Maj. Leo Bongosia of the army's 4th Infantry Division says about 40 New People's Army guerrillas attacked a militia outpost in southern Agusan del Sur province's Sibagat township early Friday but the militiamen fought back.

Bongosia says two military helicopter gunships provided fire support to army reinforcements. One soldier also was wounded.

It was the biggest battle loss for the rebels after a senior regional Communist Party leader and seven other guerrillas were killed in an army attack two weeks earlier in Sorsogon province southeast of Manila.

The 44-year-old insurgency is one of Asia's longest-running. Talks to end it have collapsed.