Leftist rebel slain, soldier wounded in Compostela clash

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - One leftist rebel was killed in an encounter with government troops in the southern Philippines, a military official said today.

A soldier was also wounded in Wednesday's clash in Pantukan town, Compostela Valley province, according to Colonel Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Troops from the 71st Infantry Battalion were patrolling the area when they encountered 40 heavily-armed New People's Army guerrilla, sparking an hour-long firefight.

De Leon said pursuit operations were now being launched.

The firefight in the Pantukan town occurred just a day after rebels attacked an oil palm plantation in nearby Agusan del Sur province, burning construction equipment and killing five civilians.