MANILA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Two soldiers were killed in a clash with leftist rebels in the southern Philippine province of Surigao del Sur, a military official said Tuesday.
According to Maj. Leo Bongosia, spokesman for the Army's 4th Infantry Division, troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion were on a combat operation when they caught up with New People's army rebels in San Isidro village Monday around 2 p.m., local time.
Bongosia said a five minute gun fight ensued, leaving two soldiers dead. The slain soldiers were identified as Pfc. Nagdar Irad and Pfc. Merwin Tion.
The soldiers were deployed to the area in response to information provided by civilians about the presence of rebels in the area.