Suspected NPA rebel killed, soldier hurt in Sultan Kudarat clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A communist rebel was killed and a soldier was wounded in an encounter in the mountains of Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat province on Saturday, a belated military report said.

Col. Mel Feliciano, 601st Infantry Brigade chief, said the firefight, which lasted for an hour, slightly wounded Pfc. Dominador Hanggin.

Feliciano said government forces recovered the remains the slain rebel, identified only as “Pastor,” along with an AK 47 rifle.

Elements of the Bravo Company of the 33rd Infantry Battalion were proceeding to Sitio Uminay, Barangay (village) Nati, Sen. Ninoy Aquino town to check on the reported presence of armed men in the area when they were fired upon by the New People’s Army rebels, triggering a fire fight.

The rebels fled deep into the mountains of Sen. Ninoy Aquino.