DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - A soldier was killed in a clash with leftist rebels in southern Philippines yesterday, the military said today.
The government trooper died to a gunshot wound in the body following the encounter with New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas in Impasug-ong town, in Bukidnon province, according to Captain Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army's 4th Infantry Division.
Soldiers from the 8th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat clearing operations at Kalabugao village when they chanced upon five NPA guerrillas.
A 10-minute firefight erupted, resulting in the death of a soldier and wounding of several leftist rebels, Uy said.
Government troops were now conducting pursuit operation against the fleeing guerrillas, the army spokesperson added.