(UPDATE) Leftist rebels kidnap soldier in ComVal

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Members of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) abducted a soldier in Mindanao this morning, a police official said.

Provincial police chief Camilo Cascolan said the victim, Sgt. Jeric Curay, was snatched by NPA guerrillas at a rebel checkpoint in Andap village, Laak town in Compostela Valley province.

Cascolan said Curay was on his way to work when he was forcibly taken by leftist rebels.

Police noted that NPA guerrillas have been increasingly kidnapping members of government security forces in Mindanao.