MANILA, Philippines – Two soldiers were killed in a clash Saturday (June 22nd) with Communist rebels on the southern island of Mindanao, AFP reported.

The troops were on a routine patrol when they ran into New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Esperanza, army spokesman Leo Bongosia said Sunday, adding the rebels managed to escape.

This was the latest in a series of incidents involving the NPA since peace talks broke down in April, when the government refused demands to release dozens of detained rebels.