Ambush on Philippine army convoy kills three

Manila: Three soldiers were killed and 18 others wounded after hundreds of Maoist-led rebels ambushed a Philippine army convoy in Mindanao on Monday, officials said.

Major Lyndon Paniza of North Cotabato said rebels from the New People's Army attacked a convoy of army trucks returning to base in the region.

"Our troops were returning home early today when one of our trucks struck a landmine," Paniza told reporters, adding that the soldiers also came under heavy gunfire from rebels.

"Our outnumbered troops fought back for several minutes until reinforcements came to push back the rebels," Paniza said.

Paniza said three soldiers were killed in the initial burst of gunfire. At least 18 soldiers were taken to hospital for treatment of gunshot and shrapnel wounds.