Leftist rebel killed in Compostela clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - An alleged leftist rebel was killed in a clash between government soldiers and the New People's Army in the southern Philippines early today, 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.