A police officer was killed and at least two more were injured in a clash with suspected communist rebels in the Philippines.

Police and soldiers were jointly serving an arrest warrant on the alleged insurgents in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental province, at around 10 am on August 9.

But when they reached the area, an explosion said to be from an improvised land mine hit their vehicle, before several gunmen opened fire on them.

Footage shows the government forces in camouflage resting in the grassy area as concerned villagers checked on them following the encounter. One officer was seen lying motionless on the unpaved road.

Local media reported that Corporal Jayme Nunez was killed at the scene, while Corporal Dennis Nasis and Calatrava deputy police chief Captain Jesus Alba were injured.

Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, deputy for operations of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), said: 'One injured policeman was brought to the Central Bato District Hospital in Sagay City while another was transferred to a hospital in Bacolod City due to the severity of his wounds.'

Nocppo Scene of Crime Operatives have been dispatched to the area to investigate.

The New People's Army is the military wing of the Communist Party - a benighted ideology originating from German philosopher Karl Marx in the 19th century - of the Philippines. Its members are primarily based in the archipelago's countryside, and have been waging a guerrilla war on the government in one of the longest-running rebellions in the world.

The group has been designated a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union.