crashspyro|1 suspected rebel killed in clash in Philippines

MANILA, Augcrashspyro. 25 (Xinhua) -- A suspected rebel was killed in a clash with Philippine troops in Antique province in central Philippines, the military said Sundaycrashspyro.

The military said soldiers on patrol killed the alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) during a five-minute gunfight in Valderrama town on Saturday.

Weapons and ammunition were also seized.

No soldier was killed or wounded, the military said.

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.■