Leftist rebel killed in S. Philippine clash

An alleged leftist rebel was killed in a clash between government soldiers and the New People's Army in southern Philippines early Monday, the military said.

Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, regional army spokesperson said a militiaman was also wounded following the 5:20 a.m. encounter in Tubo-tubo village, Monkayo town, in Mindanao's Compostela Valley province.

Paniza said patrolling soldiers from the army's 25th Infantry Battalion and the 1001st division recon company chanced upon some 30 rebels and pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels was still going on.

The 4,000-strong NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting an insurgency in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.