Manila  - Two government troops and one civilian were killed in an attack by communist rebels in the central Philippines, an army spokesman said Sunday.

A soldier and a civilian were also wounded in the attack Saturday in Catarman town in Northern Samar province, Lieutenant Colonel Armand Rico said.

Rico said the troops were conducting community work in the village of Polangi in Catarman when around 30 communist rebels opened fire at them.

"Troops were able to defend the area for 30 minutes, resulting in the killing of two soldiers and one civilian," he said.

Rico said additional troops have been dispatched to hunt down the guerrillas.

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