Soldier, militant killed in Maguindanao clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A soldier and a member of a local terror group were killed in an encounter in Barangay Tabungao, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao on Wednesday. 

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, did not identify the slain Army trooper pending notification of his family members.

Sobejana said the fatality was among government troopers who conducted pursuit operations following a brief encounter with the militants in Barangay Sapakan. 

Col. Joel Mamon, 601st Infantry Brigade officer-in-charge, said the body of the slain militant, two improvised explosive devices, bomb materials and ammunition were recovered at the scene.