An encounter between the military and alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) resulted in the death of two men and one woman in Rosario, Batangas.

The encounter occurred morning on March 26, 2024 in a mountainous area of Barangay Leviste.

Among those killed in the skirmish was purported CPP-NPA Southern Luzon sub-regional military area leader 'Ka Arya.'

"Patuloy ang panawagan namin na magbalik-loob na itong si Ka Arya kasi namatay na nga ‘yung kaniyang asawa last year. Naririnig namin na gusto na nga magbalik-loob pero panay ang panawagan namin, hindi naman nagbalik-loob tapos kaninang umaga nga, nagkabangaan sila doon sa Batangas, nakasama siya doon sa namatay," Col. Dennis Caña, spokesperson for the Southern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said.

Initial reports from the AFP indicate that the firefight lasted for over 30 minutes, with no casualties or injuries reported among the military personnel. 

Various firearms and explosives were recovered from the encounter site.

The remains of the alleged rebel group members were placed temporarily at a funeral home.

Authorities continue to remind residents to be cautious and report any suspicious activity in their area.

Caña reiterated the call for surrender, particularly to those involved in recruitment activities.

"Nakakasama ng loob po, kung mapapansin ninyo noong December, mga 23-24 years old na ang mga namamatay, ibig-sabihin po niyan, patuloy ang kanilang pagre-recruit at may kakuntsaba pa sila sa area kung saan sila nakaka-recruit. Mayroon pa po diyan kaya ang panawagan naming sa kanila, magbalik-loob na at higit sa lahat, doon sa kakuntsaba nila na nagre-recruit, tigilan niyo na po," he said.