A RANKING leader of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with troops in the province of North Cotabato, military officials said Saturday, October 24.

Lieutenant General CorletoVinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the clash took place around 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Rodson, Arakan village, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Vinluan identified the slain ranking NPA leader as Zaldy Gulmatico Pulido, who carries the aliases of Ka Joel and Ka Cobra, the secretary of GF53 of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Vinluan said the troops of the 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) under the 602nd Infantry Brigade were on security operations when they clashed with 12 fully-armed NPA rebels in Rodson in Arakan village, Matalam.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes and resulted in the death of Pulido and the recovery of one M16A1 rifle, three magazines, assorted ammunition, two cellular phones, and propaganda materials.

The rest of the NPA rebels withdrew to different directions.

Capulong said there was not casualty on the side of the government forces.

"This successful operation bespeaks of our relentless efforts to end terrorism in our area of operation," said Major General JuvymaxUy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central. (SunStar Zamboanga)