TACLOBAN CITY — A firefight between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members in Barangay Geregangan, Gandara, Samar prompted the evacuation of 88 residents from nearby communities, local authorities confirmed.
Soldiers from the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division were conducting operations in the upland area of Geregangan when they encountered about 15 armed individuals believed to be members of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser.
The exchange of gunfire lasted around 30 minutes, after which the armed group retreated, leaving behind an M16A1 rifle, an M4 rifle, and several personal items.
A rebel was killed in the encounter.
Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, 46IB commanding officer, described the encounter as a successful operation and encouraged remaining members of the group to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration programs.
8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio said the continuing security operations are part of efforts to maintain peace and stability in Eastern Visayas.
Although no residents from Barangay Geregangan were displaced, nearby areas evacuated as a precaution.
Data from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) showed that 29 families, or 88 individuals, fled their homes.
In Barangay Marcos, eight families (24 individuals) sought refuge at the Barangay Minda covered court, while 21 families (64 individuals) from Barangay San Miguel were assisted by local authorities.
Mayor Warren Aguilar, together with the AFP, MSWDO and MDRRMO, convened an emergency meeting to plan additional security measures and ensure continuous provision of food and basic needs to displaced families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the skirmish.
Support to affected residents will continue as military operations in the hinterlands of Gandara remain underway.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
