The military has accused New People's Army (NPA) rebels of being behind the ambush and killing of two soldiers in Echague, Isabela on Monday morning.

The slain soldiers were identified as Corporal Daryl Camangeg and Corporal Virgilio Herrera.

They were escorting barangay officials when armed men fired at them.

The Philippine Army's 86th Infantry Battalion said the killing of the two soldiers was a violation of the ceasefire between communist rebels and the government.

Lt. Col. Vladimir Cagara of the 86th IB said they are now undertaking pursuit operations against those responsible for the killings.

The NPA has yet to comment on the incident.

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, has tightened security and set up checkpoints around Echague following the incident.

The government and the National Democratic Front have just ended a third round of peace talks in Rome. Last week, the two sides tried but failed to reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire.

• READ: Ceasefire deal eludes PH, leftist rebels as talks end

Both parties agreed to meet for a fourth round of formal talks in Oslo, Norway from April 2-6. -- with a report from Harris Julio, ABS-CBN News