MANILA, Philippines - Suspected members of the New People's Army on Monday ambushed and killed a former comrade, his wife and his daughter in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Police identified the victims as Persinifles Mayordo, 52, a rebel returnee who became a militiaman of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, his wife Anita, 49; and, his daughter Gemma.

Initial reports said the victims were on a motorcycle when 7 gunmen, believed to be communist rebels, ambushed them at Sitio Bingcongan, Barangay Bigaan.

Mayordo's son, Reynante, was not hit in the initial volley. He escaped unharmed. A rescuer brought the wounded Gemma to the Bislig District Hospital, where she died while undergoing treatment.

Members of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office are now conducting a joint investigation with the Army to identify the gunmen who killed Mayordomo and 2 members of his family.