MANILA, Philippines – Six Communist rebels were killed in clashes with Philippine troops late Tuesday (July 30th) in the northern province of Tarlac, AFP reported.

Residents tipped off soldiers about nine New People's Army (NPA) rebels who were trying to establish a support network in a nearby village, military spokesman Ramon Zagala told AFP. "The rebels are trying to gain leverage in the area."

Among the dead was the outfit's leader, an unidentified woman. Three other rebels escaped during the firefight that lasted into early Wednesday.