(UPDATE) One soldier killed in clash with leftist rebels in Davao

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A soldier was killed after government troops clashed with members of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) in Davao del Norte today.

Captain Jose Napoleon Jose Gamos, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 1003rd Brigade, said some 50 NPA guerrillas attacked the temporary patrol base of soldiers in Gupitan village, Kapalong town in Davao del Norte at 5:40 a.m. local time.

Gamos said the patrol base is manned by troops of the Philippine Army's 60th Infantry Battalion who are pursuing peace and development work in Gupitan village since July.

Leftist rebels withdrew after a brief firefight. Gamos, however, could not say the number of casualties suffered by the NPA.

He said government security forces have launched pursuit operations against the leftist rebels.