Batangas clash kills six insurgents
He also confirmed three soldiers were wounded in the armed battle that lasted about six hours, from 12 midnight until 6 a.m.
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He also confirmed three soldiers were wounded in the armed battle that lasted about six hours, from 12 midnight until 6 a.m.
The Philippine Army disclosed that at least six individuals believed to be members of the New People's Army were killed following an armed encounter between military troops and New People's Army in Balayan, Batangas province on Sunday.
Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division public affairs chief Lt. Col. Hector Estolas also reported that a solider also died in the encounter which sparked after joint government forces from the 59th Infantry "Protector" Battalion of Philippine Navy and Philippine Airforce conducted combat operations at Barangay Malalay.
He narrated that state troops encountered undetermined number of armed personalities, believed to be members of NPA's SPP Kawing of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee's Sub-Regional Military Area 4C.
The firefight resulted to the recovery of two M16 rifles, a M653 rifle, a Shotgun, and other subversive documents of the communist group.
"Pursuit operations are now ongoing against the fleeing NPA rebels," Estolas said.
He also confirmed three soldiers were wounded in the armed battle that lasted about six hours, from 12 midnight until 6 a.m.
"The wounded soldiers have already been evacuated at the Medical Center Western Batangas in Balayan," Estolas said. "Families of the soldiers were already notified of the incident."
He added the NPA members were about to attend a meeting ahead of the founding anniversary of Communist Party of the Philippines on 26 December.
Meanwhile, 2ID commander MGen. Roberto Capulong said the Philippine Army will remain vigilant against the atrocities of the communist rebels during the holidays.
"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 said.
Capulong then urged the remaining NPA 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."
In other developments, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. extend condolences to the families of soldiers killed during the armed encounter in Batangas as he expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for showcasing loyalty and bravery to defend and secure the country at all times.
"We are ensuring that our wounded soldiers will receive the best medical care, and provide all the necessary assistance to the family of our slain soldier during this difficult time," Teodoro said.
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