(UPDATE) Leftist rebel killed in Surigao clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A member of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) was killed following a brief firefight with soldiers in Surigao del Norte today afternoon, a military official said.

Maj. Leo Bongosia, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division, said the soldiers were conducting pursuit operations when they encountered the NPAs at Cabugo village, Claver town at around 2 p.m.

Bongosia said the military launched pursuit operations after troops from the 30th Infantry Batallion clashed with 15 NPAs also in Claver town yesterday. A soldier died following a brief encounter between the NPAs and government security forces.