The body of an unidentified woman was found in Barangay Malalay, Balayan, Batangas on February 15, 2024 near the area where soldiers and alleged rebels clashed on December 17, 2023.
The body was found by a farmer who reported the same to barangay officials.
"Female Cadaver po ang nakita malapit nga po sa encounter site ng Philippine Army noong December, 'yun po ay nakita po dahil' yung mga tubo po ay tinatabas na po ngayon para po mai-process na po. Doon po siya nakita ng mga nagtatabas ng tubo," PMAJ. Domingo Ballesteros, Jr., Chief of Balayan Police Station, said.
The December encounter resulted in the deaths of at least seven rebels, and the woman may be associated with the group.
Ammunition was found near the body and a .40-caliber firearm was found in her bag.
"Sa mga na-recover po namin na pieces of belongings po niya ay marami din pong mayroon din pong laman na ammunition, mayroon din po siya sa bag niya na kalibre 40. Baka isa po siya nakatakbo sa lawak po ng tubuhan, hindi na po siya napansin o na-recover doon sa tubuhan," Ballesteros added.
As of this writing, the body is in a funeral home in Balayan awaiting forensic examination for identification.
The Balayan Police continue to monitor the area to ensure the absence of any remaining rebel elements in Barangay Malalay.
"Continuous naman po 'yung aming engagement sa community po. Pinapaalalahanan din po namin sila na kung may makita po silang tao na kahina-hinala regardless po' yan kung involved po sila sa CPP's po at iba pong personnel po na hindi dapat sa kanilang barangay ay I-report din po sa amin para ma-check po namin bakit sila nasa area," Ballesteros said.
