(UPDATE) Soldier killed by leftist rebels in Davao

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A soldier was killed by sniper fire from members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army ( NPA) in southern Philippines on Monday, a military spokesman confirmed today.

Capt. Nathaniel Morales, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 1003rd Brigade, said Cpl. Zalde Sario of the 60th Infantry Battalion was hit in the stomach and died upon arrival at the Tagum City Regional Hospital in Davao del Norte.

Morales said Sario was leading a dialogue with residents of a community in a chapel in Sta. Fe Village in New Correla town when he was hit by a bullet fired from an M-14 rifle.

The Philippine Army condemned the NPA attack, saying it is in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which provides that places of worships and religious institutions must be respected and should not be used in launching attacks.