Suspected leftist rebel killed in MisOr clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A suspected member of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops in southern Philippines Tuesday afternoon, a military official said today.

Maj. Jennan Montealto, civil military operation officer of the Philippine Army's 403rd Brigarde, said soldiers were on a security operation when they clashed with some 10 NPA guerrillas in Minalwang village, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental province.

Montealto said the two sides exchanged fire for 30 minutes, resulting in the death of a female leftist rebel. There were no reported casualties on the side of the government.

Meanwhile, government troops on Wednesday recovered 20 improvised bombs laid in Mabini village, Basey town in the central Philippine province of Samar.

Military officials suspect that the bombs were laid by NPA guerrillas.