The shooting erupted early Monday morning when government forces attacked about 30 New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in the southern Philippine province of Bukidnon.
They were gathering on the outskirts of the town of Malaybalay in preparation for the anniversary of the NPA’s founding on December 26.
The military, which was supported by the air force, killed nine Maoists, including three women, and recovered eight firearms from the site of the clash.