This is the dramatic moment residents took cover as soldiers clashed with communist rebels in the Philippines.

Footage shows the locals retreating into their homes as gunfighting erupted in the Pio V. Corpus municipality of Masbate province on April 24.

The clash lasted for 10 minutes, with no soldiers or civilians hurt, Bicol police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Maria Luisa Calubaquib said in a report.

Officers recovered a gun, an improvised explosive device, detonation wire, and bullets left behind by the rebels, believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA), at the scene after the encounter.

Pio V. Corpus Police Public Information Officer Maria Larli Manatad said: 'We have already conducted a clearing operation and we also had a hot pursuit. We are establishing checkpoints and chokepoints, and we are closely coordinating with friendly forces within the area.'

Two NPA members wanted for murder were also arrested in the town earlier this month.

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.