MANILA -- At least four people, including an army lieutenant, were killed in clashes between government forces and communist guerrillas in the Philippines, military reports said Friday.

First Lieutenant Meliton Biernes was shot dead by a rebel sniper as he led his troops in a raid on a camp of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the northern province of Isabela on Thursday, the military told AFP.

Troops who overran the camp found bloodstains, indicating that the guerrillas had suffered some casualties before fleeing, the reports said.

On the same day, three NPA guerrillas were killed and numerous others believed wounded in a clash with soldiers in the southern province of Davao Oriental. There were no casualties on the government side, the reports said.

The NPA is the armed wing of the underground communist movement.

Peace talks with the insurgents were suspended last year after the NPA gunned down two legislators.