TACLOBAN CITY – Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while two others surrendered following an armed encounter with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar, on Tuesday, June 3.
The clash occurred around 10 am in Barangay Nagoocan, after residents reported the presence of approximately 30 armed rebels believed to be members of the Regional Guerrilla Unit and Sub-Regional Committee Arctic under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), according to a report from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar.
The armed group was allegedly extorting from villagers in the area when they were engaged by elements of the 20th Infantry Battalion, based in Las Navas, Northern Samar.
A 30-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of four rebels and the surrender of two others. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Troops recovered three firearms at the clash site, a mountainous village located 14 kilometers from Catubig’s town center.
As of press time, the bodies of the slain rebels remain at the encounter site, while the two who surrendered are now in the custody of the 20th IB.
The 8th ID, which is headed by Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, also reported that a day earlier, on June 2, the same battalion discovered a cache of firearms and explosives in Barangay Roxas, also in Catubig.
The discovery was made following information provided by two former rebels—alias “In-In,” vice squad leader of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit, and alias “Bug-ot” of the Regional Guerrilla Unit—who have recently surrendered and are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Recovered from the cache, believed to have been hidden after a prior clash in Barangay Sulitan on November 5, 2024, were two M14 rifles; one M16 rifle; one M653 rifle; three improvised hand grenades; and several ammunition magazines.
Maj. Gen. Orio lauded the collaboration between security forces and local communities in countering insurgency in the region.
“When those who once fought against us now stand beside us, it redefines our mission,” Orio said in a statement. “Through E-CLIP, we provide not only reintegration and livelihood but also a renewed sense of purpose.”
He reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to peace and encouraged remaining NPA members to avail of the National Amnesty Program by coordinating with their families or local government units to facilitate their safe and formal surrender.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/RONALD O. REYES)
