LOBO, Batangas – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and a soldier was wounded in a firefight here on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 4.
TROOPS recovered two firearms from the New People’s Army following a 20-minute firefight in Barangay Balibago in Lobo, Batangas on Dec. 4.
The military recovered the body of the rebel and AK47 with a magazine, an M16 rifle with a magazine, and two improvised explosive devices (IED).
The 202nd Infantry Brigade said the 59th Infantry Battalion was patrolling Barangay Balibago when communist rebels engaged them.
The encounter lasted for 20 minutes before the NPA fled towards the mountain.
The military identified the fatality as Rey delos Santos, alias Japeth, Roy, and Ren.
Army Major Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2nd Infantry Division commander, reiterated his call to the NPA to surrender.
"While the soldiers do not rejoice in the deaths of our fellow Filipinos, we have a solemn duty to uphold peace, protect our people, and enforce the rule of law," he said.
"With the help of our people, our line agencies, and various stakeholders, we will not rest on our laurels until our people and our community are free from the turmoil brought about by the terrorist NPA in Southern Tagalog and its neighboring regions," Balaoro added.