Manila  - One communist rebel was killed in a clash with government troops in the eastern Philippines, a regional military spokesman said Wednesday.

The fighting erupted when soldiers raided a rebel encampment in Paranas town in Western Samar province, 600 kilometres south-east of Manila, according to Lieutenant Colonel Armand Rico.

"The soldiers responded to tips from civilians about the presence of communist rebels in the area," Rico said.

The soldiers overran the encampment and recovered one generator, one hand-held radio, personal belongings and food stocks left behind by the fleeing rebels.

Communist rebels have been fighting the government since the late 1960s, making the movement one of the longest-running leftist insurgencies in South-East Asia. (dpa)