TACLOBAN CITY — Even as Typhoon ‘Tino’ battered Eastern Visayas, soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division clashed with communist rebels in the hinterlands of Llorente and Gen. MacArthur towns in Eastern Samar on November 3, resulting in the death of one New People’s Army (NPA) member.
The firefight erupted as troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations against remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), a report from the 8th ID, based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said on Thursday, Nov.6.
The slain rebel was identified as Joel Bobonao, also known as ‘Pen’ or ‘Jack’. Recovered from the encounter site were a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, several firearm magazines, and personal belongings. The rest of the armed group reportedly fled after being outmaneuvered by government forces despite the adverse weather.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, commended his troops for their persistence and bravery in maintaining peace and security in the region even under extreme conditions.
“Even as our troops face harsh weather and hazardous terrain, their dedication to protect our people and sustain peace in Eastern Visayas remains unwavering,” Orio said in a statement. “This encounter shows that the remaining CPP-NPA members in the region are losing community support.”
The 8ID reiterated its call for remaining members of the NPA to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to reintegrate into society.
Meanwhile, the division said its units remain on heightened alert for both internal security operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts amid Typhoon Tino.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
