MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- A Filipino local official and his bodyguard were killed in an ambush by suspected New People's Army (NPA) anti-government forces on Saturday in Occidental Mindoro, central Philippines, reported local television network ABS-CBN News on Sunday.

    The victims were Warlito Trinidad, an official of the Bulacan province north of Manila, and his bodyguard. They were on the way back from a mountain trip when a group of suspected NPA guerrillas ambushed them. A brother-in-law of the official and a civilian were wounded in the assault, said the report.

    Meanwhile, a local radio report quoted Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, NPA's spokesman, as saying on Sunday that civilians should avoid riding along with military vehicles to avoid being hurt during crossfire.

    The NPA has vowed to intensify attacks against military and government targets.

    Rosal said NPA is currently in an offensive stance against government forces, asking military and the police to be prepared for intensified offensives against the military and government targets "on an everyday basis".

    Meanwhile, an Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Sunday challenged the NPA to push through with their plan to intensify attacks on military installations and personnel.

    The spokesman, Brig. Gen. Jose Angel Honrado, also said that the military is ready to thwart any rebel attacks. Enditem