Manila  - A policewoman was killed in an attack by communist rebels in a central Philippine city, a provincial police chief said Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Felix said police officer Jane Tacadao died from gunshot wounds late Wednesday when communist rebels attacked a police convoy in Victorias City in Negros Occidental town, 480 kilometres south of Manila.

Felix said three other policewomen were injured in the firefight, which lasted for about 30 minutes.

Police officers recovered two backpacks and a rifle grenade left behind by the fleeing rebels.

More government troops have been dispatched to the area to pursue the rebels.

Communist rebels have been fighting the government since the late 1960s, making the movement one of the longest-running leftist insurgencies in Asia. (dpa)