One soldier, six suspected rebels killed in Batangas firefight

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 17) — One soldier and six suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a firefight in Balayan, Batangas on Sunday, the Philippine Army (PA) said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the PA said forces of the 59th Infantry «Protector» Battalion, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force were conducting combat operations in Barangay Malalay when they ran into an undetermined number of suspected NPA troops, resulting in the clash.

The military believed these were members of the SPP [Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon] Kawing from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee's Sub-Regional Military Area 4C.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro offered his condolences to the bereaved family of the soldier who was killed. Three soldiers were also wounded and immediately evacuated for medical care.

«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,» he said."

The PA said soldiers have seized rifles, a shotgun, and «subversive documents» and are in pursuit of the suspected rebels who fled the area.