BALAYAN, Batangas – Six New People’s Army rebels and a soldier were killed in a gun battle on Sunday, December 17, in Barangay Malalay here.

The 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the 59th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force were conducting combat operations when they encountered an undetermined number of communist fighters under SPP Kawing of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee Sub-Regional Military Area 4-C in the area.
Three soldiers were wounded and taken to the hospital here.
The families of the casualty and wounded have been notified.
Army Lt. Col. Hector Estolas, public affairs division chief of the 2nd ID, said troops recovered two M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, a shotgun, and subversive documents.
Government troops are conducting hot-pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels.
Major Gen. Roberto Capulong, 2nd ID commander, said in a statement that the encounter incurred fatalities in their 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.”
He urged remaining rebels to surrender and embrace the government’s peace programs to enable them to be with their families and loved ones this Christmas.