1 soldier hurt, 1 rebel killed in armed clash in Oriental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier was wounded while one rebel was killed during an armed clash between government forces and a communist terrorist group in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro Friday morning.

According to a police report,  soldiers encountered about 15 communist terrorists while conducting combat operations at 8:55 a.m. in Brgy. Happy Valley, where the rebels were said to be encamped.

Both forces exchanged fire for about 15 minutes, after which the rebel forces retreated towards the north direction.

One soldier, Corporal Froilan Yakak sustained a gunshot wound on his right shoulder, while a rebel, who is still unidentified, was killed during the clash.

Government forces recovered one caliber .45 gun and two magazines; three magazines for M-16 rifle; 200 rounds for M-60; 100 rounds for M-16 rifle, two pieces of improvised explosive devices; other personal belongings; and subversive documents, the report said.