Battles near a rebel camp in the southern Philippines have killed at least eight guerrillas and three soldiers, AP quoted a military spokesman as saying. Maj. Armand Rico said three soldiers were killed Friday when they tripped land mines planted near a New People's Army camp outside Lingig township in Surigao del Sur province. At least 14 other soldiers were wounded, he said. Government soldiers overran the camp Wednesday following a three-hour battle with about 80 guerrillas. The rebels have withdrawn, but sporadic clashes in the area continued Friday, Rico said. Informants have reported that eight guerrillas have been killed since Wednesday, although no bodies have been recovered, he said. The soldiers killed Friday had been pursuing rebels along their withdrawal route, Rico said. He said more soldiers were being brought by helicopters to the area.
