TACLOBAN CITY — A 10-minute firefight erupted between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Mobo-ob, San Jorge, Samar on February 16, 2026, the military reported.
Soldiers from the 14th Infantry Battalion under the 8th Infantry Division engaged about six members of the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee following reports from residents of armed men allegedly conducting intimidation and extortion activities in the area.
Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commanding officer of the 14th IB, said the operation was launched based on community information, stressing that civilian cooperation remains crucial in efforts to end the local communist armed conflict.
In the wake of the clash, the 8th ID renewed its appeal to remaining members of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle and avail of the government’s Amnesty Program, which accepts applications until March 13, 2026.
The military said qualified former rebels may be granted relief from criminal liabilities related to rebellion and will be assisted in their reintegration into mainstream society.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
