A GOVERNMENT soldier was killed in a renewed clash between the communist guerrillas and the troops from the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Pinansian, So Sio-an, Malinao, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday, February 6.

The military identified the slain soldier as Private Kymer Villadarez.

"Wala man siya namatay on the spot pero before makuha ng chopper na-declare siya nga patay sa ground," Captain Reggie Go, acting spokesperson of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said.

Go said the troops were responding to a report from a civilian that an armed group set up an encampment in the area when the three-minute armed encounter ensued.

Go said the military engaged less than 10 members of the NPA's Guerilla Toto, Sub-Regional Command One, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) led by alias Ceilo.

"Mao ni nga grupo ang galihok diha sa area,"he said.

The military believed that they also scored casualties on the enemy side as blood stains were seen in the area where the NPA fighters had positioned themselves.

Government troops recovered 20 makeshift beds, an anti-personnel mine, five clips of Garand ammunition, three back packs containing assorted medicines, medical supplies, and personal belongings, from the temporary hideout installed by the NPA.

"Nasubo kita nga naay nawala sa ato pero atong gi-acknowledge iyang heroism kay kabalo ta sa sacrifice nga iyang gihimo at nakikidalamhati din tayo sa family," Go said.

"Automatic na yung mga benefits at assistance from the 4ID," he added.

Go said the military operations will still continue against the NPA.