MANILA, Philippines - A soldier was killed in an ambush by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA)in North Cotabato on Friday morning.
Corporal Ricardo Paghubasan died from a gunshot on the head while his companion, Corporal Eric Dimapitan, survived the ambush.
The two soldiers are members of Philippine Army's 57th Infantry Battalion.
Initial reports said that the two soldiers on board separate motorcycles were ambushed at the border of barangays Mahongkong and Temporan, Magpet, North Cotabato around 6:40 a.m. The victims were on their way to an outreach program of the military.
Paghubasan was instantly killed while Dimapitan managed to return fire and escape.
The military has launched a pursuit operation against the rebels.