The New People's Army (NPA) rebels ambushed Philippine government troops and injured five soldiers, the military said on Tuesday.

One of the NPA insurgents was killed and five Army soldiers wounded in the attack that occurred at the village of Anibongan in Lingig town, northeastern Mindanao, Francisco Simbajon, a spokesman of the Army's 4th Infantry Division said.

The troops were on board a truck when they were waylaid by undetermined number of rebels at around 6:15 a.m. on Monday. A firefight occurred between the two sides, according to Simbajon.

The military were still trying to determine the identity of the slain NPA guerrilla, the spokesman said, adding that the troops were among those who were ordered to help in tracking down the NPA rebels who abducted Lingig town Mayor Roberto Luna from his residence Sunday afternoon.

The rebels, disguised in military uniforms, also raided the town's police station. They fled with a large cache of firearms owned by the mayor and by the police station.

Luna was released by his abductors hours after the attacks. NPA leaders said there was no reason to keep the mayor, adding they merely used him "as part of the combat so they could gain entry into the police station."

Source: Xinhua