Leftist rebel killed, policeman hurt in Sorsogon clash

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A suspected member of the leftist group New People's Army (NPA) was killed and a policeman was wounded when the rebels attempted to overrun a police security checkpoint and took five civilian hostages in Sorsogon last night, the military said today.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, public information chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that troops of 903rd Infantry Brigade pursued five NPA members who attempted to overrun a police security checkpoint at Cabid-an village in Sorsogon City at around 7:30 p.m. local time.

During the ensuing firefight, one policeman was wounded and one rebel was killed, he said.

The remaining rebels scattered and fled but government troops were able to pursue two of the fleeing suspects who holed up in a nearby compound, taking five hostages, Zagala said.

The five hostages were able to escape, which prompted the responding troops to immediately clear the compound, he added.