A leftist rebel was killed Tuesday in a clash with government security forces in the southern Philippine province of Davao del Sur, a military official said on Wednesday.

The soldiers were on a patrol mission at Kiblawis village in the town of Kiblawan when they encountered undetermined number of New People's Army rebels, said William Rodriguez, spokesman for the Army's 1002nd Brigade.

He said a fire fight ensued, leaving one dead on the enemy side, adding "We have no casualties. We have recovered the slain rebel's body."

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for more than four decades. The military estimates that the NPA strength at more than 4,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.