Leftist rebel killed, another captured in Surigao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - One leftist rebel was killed and another captured in a clash with government troops in Surigao yesterday, local police today said.

The incident happened as members of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division reconnaissance company were patrolling at Cabugo village, Claver, a town in Mindanao's Surigao del Norte province, early yesterday afternoon, according to Caraga police regional spokesperson Martin Gamba.

The soldiers ran into a group of about 15 New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas, sparking a 30-minute clash, Gamba said.

One rebel was killed and another was wounded and captured while the government forces did not suffer casualties, said Gamba, adding that the government troops also recovered an M16 and one AK 47 rifle at the scene of encounter.

He said pursuit operations were now conducted against the fleeing rebels and the captured insurgent was brought to a local hospital for treatment.