TACLOBAN CITY — A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while five high-powered firearms were seized following an encounter between government troops and communist rebels in Barangay Nipa, Palapag, Northern Samar, on Saturday, November 29.
The firefight erupted early morning when soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division conducting security operations clashed with members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
The rebels were reportedly positioned in a hideout rigged with anti-personnel mines, which are banned under international humanitarian law.
Close air support was called in after the troops encountered strong resistance, resulting in the death of one rebel and the recovery of the seized firearms and other war materiel. Several NPA members managed to escape, prompting soldiers to launch pursuit operations.
According to the Army, the operation stemmed from persistent reports from civilians claiming that the communist rebels had been extorting farmers and harassing communities still rebuilding from the impacts of Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Uwan.
The 8th Infantry Division condemned what it described as deliberate attempts by communist rebels to destabilize peace and security in the area, citing their use of banned explosives as a “blatant disregard” of measures to protect civilians.
The division vowed to continue focused military operations to dismantle remaining NPA formations in Eastern Visayas.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
