DBPH Admin2 
ONE terrorist NPA dies following an encounter between the Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) and the armed group in Lobo, Batangas, Wednesday, November 4.
Per reports from the 202nd Infantry Brigade, troops belonging to the 59th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine security operations at Barangay Balibago when the rebels fired upon them.
It resulted in a 20-minute firefight before the terrorists fled the site.
An NPA terrorist identified as Rey Delos Santos alias Japeth, Roy, and Ren died during the encounter, while one soldier sustained a minor injury.
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.
The troops also recovered two high-powered firearms, two anti-personnel mines, and a magazine at the encounter site.
“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,” said Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr in a statement.
Maj. Gen. Balaoro reiterated his call to the remnants of the NPA terrorists to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law where they can avail the programs of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), so they could start anew and contribute to the peaceful development of our nation.
“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 turmoils brought about by the terrorist NPA in Southern Tagalog and its neighboring regions,” concludes Maj. Gen. Balaoro.
