Filipino Rebels, Soldiers Clash

Communist rebels and soldiers clashed today in the central Philippines, leaving three rebels and two civilians dead in the worst outbreak of violence since a 60-day truce took effect a week ago, witnesses said.

Military and civilian sources said 15 soldiers were getting off a passenger bus in the town of Cauayan on the impoverished sugar-growing island of Negros when they were fired upon by 15 guerrillas armed with automatic rifles and carbines. The sources said three rebels, 8-year-old Maria Mabayag and a woman identified only as Aida were killed in the 10-minute gun battle.