DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least seven people were killed after members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) attacked a militia outpost in the southern Philippines early Friday (July 19th), according to press reports.

Six of the dead were NPA members, and the seventh was a pro-government militiaman, Xinhua reported.

Major Leo Bongosia of the army's 4th Infantry Division said about 40 NPA guerrillas attacked the outpost in Agusan del Sur province's Sibagat township. The Philippines Air Force dispatched two attack helicopters to the area to provide militia members with air support. Fighting lasted about an hour, The Bangkok Post reported.