MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops killed two alleged rebels during clashes in Samar province in central Philippines, the military said Thursday.
The military said fighting broke out between the troops and the New People's Army (NPA) insurgents on Wednesday morning in Paranas town while the soldiers were on patrol.
The troops pursued the fleeing rebels, resulting in more brief clashes with the rebels.
The military said the troops recovered some weapons and ammunition at the encounter site.
NPA rebels have been fighting government troops since 1969.
Military data showed that the NPA's personnel strength has declined since its peak of around 25,000 armed members in the 1980s.
Despite its dwindling fighters, the NPA continues to launch small-scale attacks in the countryside. ■
