Four civilians were killed and four others were injured when New People's Army (NPA) rebels opened fire at a vehicle in south Philippine province of Agusan del Sur on Sunday, military officials said Monday.
The ambush happened at around 5:30 p.m. at Rosario city when a group of local people, including a barangay chairman were on their way home after attending a church activity, said Jolito Borces, civil military operations officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion.
Borces said two people died on the scene and two others died upon arrival at the hospital. The four injured civilians included an eight-year-old girl.
He added that the ambush happened at a place about two kilometers from the church, and there were around 20 NPA rebels.
The 4,000-strong, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is waging a guerrilla war in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.