A gunfight erupted in Barangay Malalay, Balayan, Batangas, between military forces and alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) morning on December 17, 2023.

The incident was captured on video by residents in the area.  

The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) reported that one soldier died, and three others sustained injuries during the encounter.

"More or less po, 14 or 15 po 'yung na-engkwentro ng tropa tapos may namatay na anim po 'yung [sa] NPA, sa tropa [naman] po ay isa ang namatay at yung tatlo po wounded," Colonel Dennis Caña, SOLCOM Public Information Officer, says.

As of this writing, SOLCOM awaits verification on the reported casualties on the other side. It asserted that the group is affiliated with the NPA and has been monitored in the past in different parts of Batangas. 

Colonel Dennis Caña thanked residents for being vigilant and for reporting the movements of the alleged NPA group. He also appealed for the supposed NPA members to consider peace talks and surrender during the Christmas season for the sake of their families.

Caña extended an invitation to those remaining with the NPA:

"Sa mga natitira pa naman pong kakaunting NPA diyan, papasko na po, usap tayo, usap pangkapayapaan po at mag sipag balik-loob na po tayo. Magsama-sama po tayo ngayong papasko para magkasama-sama na tayo ng ating nga pamilya." he said.

Meanwhile, heightened security measures persist in the area, with both the police and the military monitoring closely the potential hideouts of the rebel group.