One killed in military-NPA clash in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines — An Army private was killed in an encounter between military forces and New People’s Army rebels in Kibalabag village in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Monday afternoon, the military said Tuesday.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the troops under a certain First Lieutenant Galope encountered about 20 rebels at around 4:30 p.m.

An Army corporal was also injured in the 10-minute firefight.

Meanwhile, the slain soldier, whose name was withheld until his kin were notified, sustained fatal gunshot wounds on his right chest, Galon said.

Casualties on the enemy side were not yet determined, he added.