3 suspected rebels killed in clashes in northern Philippines

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - The Philippines army on Monday claimed to have killed three suspected rebels in a series of clashes in Northern Samar province.

The military said that three New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed during gunfights that started in Mapnas town on Sunday, according to local media reports.

Troops seized heavy weapons, including M16 rifles, an anti-personnel mine, and assorted ammunition from the clash site.

No government soldier was killed or wounded in the gun battle.

NPA, which is known as the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been in conflict with the government forces since 1969.

Military data suggested that the NPA's personnel strength has declined since its peak of around 25,000 armed members in the 1980s.

The NPA rebels, however, continue to launch small-scale attacks in the countryside despite their dwindling strength.