1 soldier dead, 2 others injured in S. Philippine clash

A Filipino soldier was killed while two others were wounded as they clashed with leftist rebels on Friday in the troubled southern Philippines, a military official said.

Troops were on medical outreach mission in the village of Anticala , Butuan City when they were attacked by an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels, said Maj. Eugene Osias, a regional military spokesman.

He said a gun battle ensued, leaving a soldier dead and two others injured.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for four decades.

Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.

Posted in: 1 soldier dead,2 others injured in S. Philippine clash