TACLOBAN CITY– A suspected member of the communist terrorist group was killed in a clash with soldiers belonging to the 87th Infantry Battalion in San Jose de Buan, Samar, on May 29.
Troops engaged around 20 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be from the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in a 25-minute firefight during a focused military operation.
The enemy withdrew, leaving behind the body of an unidentified combatant, along with firearms, ammunition, and subversive documents.
No casualties were reported on the government side.
Lt. Col. Kim Ilao, acting commander of the 87th IB, commended the troops’ swift response and affirmed their commitment to dismantling the remaining NPA forces in the area.
8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio reiterated his appeal to insurgents to surrender, assuring that those who lay down their arms may avail of government reintegration assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
“Lagi pong bukas ang pintuan ng gobyerno para sa inyong pagsuko,” Orio said in a statement. “Kasama at maaasahan niyo po kami sa pagkamit ng mas mapayapang bagong Samar.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)
