AN ARMY officer was killed while another soldier was wounded in a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterland village of Mainit, Bato town, Camarines Sur on Monday, a police report said on Tuesday.

Killed was Second Lieutenant Jason Frederick Pasco, a member of the 83rd Infantry Battalion operating in Camarines Sur, said Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol spokesperson.

Wounded was Private First Class Reynaldo Aquino of the same Army unit.

The Army troopers were on combat patrol at about 5:15 p.m. Monday when they were attacked by a group of NPA rebels, who immediately withdrew after the gun battle.

Responding soldiers are on pursuit operations in neighboring villages, where the NPA rebels are believed to have fled. (PNA)