An armed encounter occurred between Philippine Army (PA) troopers and suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Lobo, Batangas on Monday, July 25.
The 2nd Infantry “Jungle” Division (2ID) said elements of the 59th Infantry Battalion (59IB) were conducting security operations when they were engaged in a firefight by armed men in Barangay Mapalad na Parang around 8:10 a.m.
The encounter lasted for about 10 minutes.
Traces of blood were noted on the encounter site, leading troops to believe there were casualties on the enemy’s side.
“Kasalukuyang sinusuyod at tinutugis ng mga kasundaluhan ang mga armado mula sa mga lugar na maaaring pagtaguan ng mga ito (Troops are currently scouring the area to hunt down the armed men where they possibly took shelter),” the 59IB said in a statement.
The 59IB said that various war materiel were recovered at the encounter site although it did not elaborate further.
Videos posted on social media showed that the exchange of bullets between the military and rebels prompted some residents to run away from their homes.
In a separate statement, the municipal government of Lobo appealed for calm among the locals.
“We request the public to please remain vigilant and alert, and immediately report to authorities suspicious movements that might be observed in your surroundings,” it said.
Meanwhile, the military called on the residents to report any suspicious individuals through their hotlines 0975-963-8155 and 0938-644-8130.