CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal — A soldier and six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Sunday were killed in an encounter in Balayan, Batangas.

Joint government forces from the 59th Infantry “Protector” Battalion of the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force were conducting combat patrol in Bgy. Malalay when they met an undetermined number of armed men believed to be members of the SPP Kawing from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4C.

The firefight resulted in the killing of six rebels and the recovery of two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, a shotgun, and other subversive documents.

One trooper was also killed during the gunfight.

Three others were wounded during the armed encounter against the NPA rebels.

The wounded soldiers were brought to the Medical Center Western Batangas in Balayan town for treatment.

Pursuit operations are ongoing against the fleeing rebels.

“This encounter has incurred a fatality in our ranks, but this will not deter our resolve to continue our sworn duty in ensuring the safety and security of our communities against these terrorist groups, especially this Yuletide Season,” 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, in a statement, said.

He urged the remaining rebels to give peace a chance, surrender and embrace the government’s peace programs so that they can be with their families and loved ones this Christmas.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jane Eleda