Two suspected members of a private armed group (PAG) in Maguindanao were killed in an encounter with Army troopers shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr., Philippine Army spokesman, said the firefight occurred at about 12:15 a.m. at the vicinity of Napundas, Mamasapano town.

Burgos said information reaching the Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig showed combined elements of the 46th Infantry Batallion (46IB) and 9th Scout Ranger Company were conducting security patrol in the area when they encountered PAG members numbering about 40.

The soldiers and the PAG members figured in a firefight which lasted about 30 minutes, according to the Army spokesman.

The armed PAG members eventually withdrew leaving behind two of their companions who were killed in the encountered.

No casualty was reported from the government side.

Burgos said two M-16 armalite rifles were also recovered from the scene.

Maguindanao was placed under the state of emergency following the now infamous massacre of 57 people, including 32 journalists, last Nov. 23. Several members of the powerful Ampatuan political clan have been charged for the gruesome crime.

Additional troops were deployed by the Armed Forces to help restore and maintain peace and order in the province and at the same time go after thousands of civilian auxiliary members loyal to the Ampatuans and who are also believed to have been involved in the massacre.