Lima, Aug 8 (EFE) Peruvian President Alan Garcia has vowed to eliminate the Shining Path guerrillas from the country.

She said the rebels 'must be exterminated' from the country's central Apurimac region, though it may take a longer time.

'I see it as a job that requires patience,' President Garcia said.

On Sunday, three policemen and two civilians were killed in a rebel attack in San Jose de Secce in the southern Andean province of Ayacucho.

Garcia said the Peruvian authorities took 15 years to end the dominance of Shining Path in the country and the remaining pockets of resistance would be removed soon.

The Shining Path guerillas have links with various drug cartels.