Death toll of suspected rebels in central Philippine clashes rises to 7

MANILA -- Seven suspected rebels were killed in a clash with soldiers in central Philippines on Sunday, a military spokesperson said.

Army Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon said the clash occurred on Sunday morning in Negros Occidental province, resulting in the killing of four female and three male New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Lamzon initially said five rebels died in the fighting. The official later reported the recovery of two more NPA bodies, bringing the death toll to seven.

Lamzon said no soldier was killed or wounded in the gunfight.

NPA rebels have been fighting against 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 number of fighters, the NPA continues to launch small-scale attacks in the countryside.