Soldier killed in clash with NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A government soldier was killed in a brief firefight with communist rebels in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, on Saturday afternoon, a military spokesman said.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said troops from the 14th Scout Ranger Company were on a combat patrol when they encountered at least 20 New People’s Army rebels in Sitio (settlement) Kuson-kuson in Barangay (village) Tagmamamarkay.

The firefight reportedly lasted for 10 minutes.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, will be celebrating its 43rd anniversary on March 29.