CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal Soldiers encountered undetermined number of NPA
rebels in Balayan, Batangas on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Joint government forces
from the 59th Infantry “Protector” Battalion, Philippine Navy and Philippine Airforce were conducting combat operations at Barangay Malalay when they encountered undetermined number of armed personalities believed to be members of SPP Kawing from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4C. The firefight resulted to 6 NPA rebels killed and the recovery of two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, one shotgun, and other subversive documents. Pursuit operations are now ongoing against the fleeing NPA rebels. One soldier perished and three others were wounded during the armed encounter against the NPA rebels. The wounded soldiers have already been evacuated at the Medical Center Western Batangas in Balayan. Families of the soldiers were already notified of the incident. In a statement, 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong said that this encounter has incurred fatalities 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. He further urge 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. (ROSELLE AQUINO)