TUY, Batangas – Three New People's Army rebels were killed in an encounter with government forces in Sitio Maligas, Barangay Bolboc, this town, on Sunday, June 23.
The 59th Infantry Battalion received a report about the presence of armed men in the area.
Troops responded and clashed with nine communist fighters.
The rebels withdrew and left behind the bodies of two comrades.
An M16 rifle, an R4 rifle, an Uzi sub-machine gun, and an improvised hand grenade were recovered in the area.
Another gun battle occurred in the area 10 minutes later in which one NPA rebel was killed.
No casualties were reported on the government side.
Several families living near the encounter site were evacuated.
The municipal government headed by Mayor Jose Jecerell Cerrado have provided assistance to evacuees.
Troops are pursuing the fleeing rebels.