The Philippine military on Wednesday said 15 suspected militants including 6 women were killed in a gun battle in Manila, 5 days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called off peace talks between the government and rebels.

Philippine military (Source: EPA/VNA)

Late on 28 November, local residents reported seeing armed men enter a van and a truck in the town of Nasugbu 65km south of Manila, prompting authorities to send troops, said military spokesman Colonel Teody Toribio.

When soldiers tried to stop the vehicles on a highway, a gun battle broke out that left 15 suspects dead, while 5 soldiers were wounded, added Toribio.

About 30,000 people have died in conflicts between the Philippine government and armed groups since 1969.

President Duterte’s government resumed negotiations with militants in August 2016, though talks were often interrupted by flares up of violence.

On 21 November, the Philippine President declared war on the groups and called them terrorist groups due to the deadly attacks on Philippine soldiers and police.

He signed an announcement on 23 November, ending peace talks with rebel groups in the country.

(Source: VNA)