**At least nine communist rebels have been killed in a raid by the Philippine army in southern Mindanao island, an army official has said.**Troops backed by helicopter gunships attacked a rebel camp near Valencia town. One soldier was killed, said army spokesman Major Michelle Anayron.
Rifles and other weapons were recovered in the raid on the New People’s Army guerrilla camp.
Peace negotiations between the rebels and the government collapsed in 2004.
Efforts to resume the talks recently also fell apart.
Maj Anayron said it was the heaviest loss for the rebels in Bukidnon province since March this year.
He said five teams of soldiers converged on the site after a tip-off and found around 60 rebels hiding there.
Three soldiers were wounded in the fighting.