A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel died and a soldier was injured in a firefight on Wednesday in Batangas which had been declared as insurgency-free three years ago.
The Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID) said the encounter also resulted in the recovery of two high-powered firearms, two anti-personnel mines, and a magazine.
Troops from the Army’s 59th Infantry Battalion were conducting route security operation in Barangay Balibago in Lobo town when they were fired at by the insurgents.
The rebels withdrew after a 20-minute firefight.
The military named the slain rebel as Rey Delos Santos, who carries the aliases Japeth, Roy, and Ren.
The injury of the soldier was only minor, the 2nd ID said.
“A former rebel who is already helping the government in its peace campaign disclosed that the death of Delos Santos is another reduction to the already skeletal strength of the terrorists operating in Batangas,” said 2nd ID spokesman Lt. Col. Jeffrex Molina said.
2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. said military operations against the NPA will remain unrelenting.
“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,” said Balaoro.
On the death of Delos Santos, Balaoro said, “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.”
