MANILA, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops and guerrillas clashed on Wednesday in Compostela Valley province in the southern Philippines, killing eight rebels and a soldier.
In a statement, the Philippine army said the troops clashed with around 40 New People's Army (NPA) rebels around 8:30 a.m. in Laak town. The troops also recovered at least five M-16 assault rifles and an M60 machine gun.
The NPA rebels reportedly fled after the clash leaving behind their dead comrades and firearms.
The rebels were reportedly part of the guerrillas that also clashed with the troops in another town on Monday.
Talks to end the decades-long communist insurgency have been temporary suspended following a series of rebel attacks against the government forces.
Negotiators from both sides are now conducting back channel talks to resume the stalled talks. They are hoping to return to the negotiating table next month.
