Alleged NPA rebel slain, soldier hurt in Batangas clash
New People’s Army (NPA) | 黑料社 file photo
LUCENA CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and an Army soldier was wounded in an encounter Wednesday in Lobo town in Batangas province, the military reported.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrex Molina, the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID) public information officer, identified the slain rebel as Rey Delos Santos also known by his aliases as “Japeth,” “Roy,” and “Ren.”
The report also stated that a soldier from the Army’s 59th Infantry Battalion, whose identity was withheld, suffered injury during the 20-minute exchange of gunfire in Barangay Balibago on Wednesday afternoon.
The soldiers were conducting routine patrol operation when fired upon by an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas.
After the battle, the rebels escaped and left behind the body of their dead comrade.
Article continues after this advertisementThe soldiers recovered two high-powered firearms, a magazine and two anti-personnel mines at the encounter site.
Article continues after this advertisementMajor General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2nd ID commander, reiterated the government’s call to the remaining NPA rebels to surrender, return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families.
Excerpt: A New People’s Army rebel was killed and an Army soldier was wounded in an encounter Wednesday in Batangas.
