Manila, Philippines, Jan 6, SPA -- Five police officers and threecivilians were killed following a clash with communistrebels on a central Philippine island Friday, police said. A group of police officers from Claveria town in Masbateprovince and the provincial police mobile group werejointly operating in the outskirts of the town when theyencountered about 50 New People's Army guerrillas,triggering a clash that also wounded another officer,according to a police report quoted by The Associated Press.--SPA 15 01 Local Time 12 01 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/317249