Soldiers kill NPA member in NegOcc clash

MANILA, Philippines - Army troopers killed a suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) and wounded another in an encounter in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, before dawn Friday.

Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, commander of the Philippine Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion, said their soldiers were checking a reported rebels' presence in Barangay Dian-ay when they were met by gunfire from a group of 10 armed men.

One of the soldiers identified as 1st Lt. John Rey Espinosa was slightly hit in the head.

Cordova said one rebel identified as Romly Palotes was arrested and wounded. The fatality has yet to be identified.

Recovered from the site of the encounter was one .45 caliber pistol with five rounds.