ALLEN, Northern Samar — An intelligence-driven Army operation aimed at stopping reported extortion activities in upland communities of Silvino Lobos resulted in the death of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member early morning of December 10.
The 8th Infantry Division said troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were validating residents’ reports that NPA members had been demanding a share of farmers’ harvests in Barangay Gusaran when they were fired upon near a suspected rebel encampment.
Soldiers retaliated, triggering a 15-minute firefight. After the gunfire ceased, troops found one armed individual believed to belong to the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
An M16 rifle and other war materiel were recovered at the site, while the remaining rebels fled. Pursuit operations and area clearing continue to prevent the insurgents from returning to the community.
The 8ID stressed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect civilians from threats, coercion, and criminal activities linked to armed groups.
Regional military officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling NPA remnants in Northern Samar and sustaining peace and development programs in conflict-affected areas.
Residents were urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
