Rebels hit Philippine power plant
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Officials believe rebels from the New People's Army are behind the attack.
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MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- Six people are dead after around 50 rebels attacked a power station south of the Philippine capital of Manila with grenade launchers and machine guns.
Officials said three troops were killed and seven were injured after the attackers drove up to the gate of the power plant in Calaca town before dawn on Saturday and opened fire.
Security guards and soldiers stopped the attackers from entering the complex, and they were pushed back after 15 minutes of gun fire exchange.
The bodies of three rebels were found at the scene.
The military seized M14s, M16s and anti-tank weapons from the rebels, believed to be members of the New People's Army.
The Philippines National Power Corporation says the plant is now "secure and operational."
If the attack had been successful, power to Manila and parts of the northern Philippines would have been disrupted, CNN's Judith Torres reported.
The attack comes after the communist party warned of mounting pressure on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ahead of elections in May.
The rebels have been waging a campaign to install a Maoist state in the Philippines, a strong U.S. ally.
A political spokesman said the communists have been extorting money from political candidates in return for protection.
The plant is about 50 miles (80 km) south of Manila.
-- Correspondent Judith Torres contributed to this report.
