TACLOBAN CITY— Government troops engaged a group of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a brief firefight in Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 13, as military authorities said the armed group was attempting to reconnect with former supporters and re-establish its presence in the area.

Soldiers from the 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered about nine armed members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) while conducting focused military operations in the hinterland village of Barangay Caputoan.

According to the military, the firefight lasted about seven minutes before the rebels withdrew toward the southern portion of the barangay.

No government casualties were reported, while the military claimed of casualties on the rebel side. Troops immediately launched pursuit operations and intensified security measures in nearby communities following the encounter.

The military said the presence of the armed group in Las Navas indicates continuing efforts by remnants of the rebel group to regain influence in areas where their support base has significantly declined due to sustained security operations, government development programs, and localized peace initiatives.

Northern Samar has long been considered one of the provinces in Eastern Visayas affected by communist insurgency.

In recent years, however, military officials have reported a steady weakening of rebel influence in the province, citing the surrender of former rebels, community-based peace engagements, and increased government presence in remote villages.

Authorities said information about the armed group’s presence was provided by local residents, reflecting what the military described as growing public resistance to the return of insurgent activities in their communities.

“The continued appearance of CTG remnants in remote communities is a clear indication of their desire to recover the support they have lost over the years. However, the people of Northern Samar have already witnessed the benefits of peace, development, and responsive governance,” the 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.

The military added that cooperation between civilians and government forces has become an important factor in sustaining peace and security gains in previously insurgency-affected areas.

Officials also noted that intensified development programs, improved coordination among government agencies and local government units, and the increasing number of former rebels returning to the folds of the law have contributed to the decline of rebel influence across Northern Samar.

The 8th Infantry Division assured residents that ongoing military operations remain focused on protecting communities, preventing the resurgence of armed groups, and supporting long-term peace and development efforts in the province.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY — A farmer was killed and another injured in two separate violent incidents in Matag-ob, Leyte on June 14, prompting police to arrest two suspects in follow-up operations.

The first incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in Barangay Marcelino, where a 34-year-old farmer identified only as “Jay-R” was found dead after being allegedly stabbed in the chest.
Police said the suspect, identified as “Chito,” 62, also a farmer, had allegedly threatened the victim prior to the attack. The confrontation reportedly escalated in a farmland area, where the stabbing occurred. The victim was declared dead at the scene by the Municipal Health Officer.

Following a hot pursuit operation, police arrested the suspect in a mountainous area of Sitio Alang-alang, Barangay San Marcelino. Authorities also recovered a 23-inch bladed weapon believed to have been used in the incident.

The second incident took place at around 5:30 p.m. in Sitio Campisaw, Barangay Sta. Rosa, where another farmer, identified as “Marlo,” 34, sustained multiple hack wounds.

Initial investigation showed the victim, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, struck “Kevin,” 30, prompting the latter to retaliate by hacking him several times using a bladed weapon.

The victim was given first aid before being rushed to OSPA Farmers Medical Center in Ormoc City for treatment. The suspect was later arrested at his residence, and the weapon used in the attack was also recovered.

Both suspects are currently in police custody at the Matag-ob Municipal Police Station while charges are being readied as investigations continue.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Disaster response teams from Palapag and Pambujan emerged as champions in the Open and Local categories, respectively, during the 4th Ibabao Rescue Jamboree held in Pambujan, Northern Samar, showcasing enhanced skills in emergency response and disaster preparedness.

The winners were announced during the closing and awarding ceremony on June 11, capping five days of intensive rescue training, simulations, and skills competitions held as part of the province’s founding anniversary celebration.

In the Open Category, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Palapag clinched the championship, followed by the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) as first runner-up and the 543rd Infantry Battalion as second runner-up.

For the Local Category, MDRRMO Pambujan was declared champion, with MDRRMO Gamay placing first runner-up and MDRRMO San Roque as second runner-up.

Special awards were also handed out during the ceremony. MDRRMO Santa Margarita bagged the First to Arrive and Best in Uniform awards in the Open Category, while MDRRMO San Jose earned First to Arrive and Best in Static Display in the Local Category. MDRRMO Pambujan was also named Best in Uniform, and MDRRMO Palapag received Best in Static Display.

Organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Northern Samar, the jamboree brought together disaster responders, rescue teams, uniformed personnel, and emergency practitioners from across the province and nearby areas.

Participants underwent hands-on training and competitive rescue exercises guided by experts from the Metro Manila Development Authority–Elite Response Unit (MMDA-ERU), Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO), the 803rd Infantry Brigade, 803rd Training School, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Training modules included Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), High Angle Rescue, Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) management, Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), and other emergency response protocols aimed at strengthening coordination and interoperability during large-scale disasters.

During the awarding ceremony, officials from the PDRRMO, QCDRRMO, MMDA-ERU, and the Philippine Coast Guard underscored the importance of the exercise in enhancing disaster response capability and inter-agency collaboration.

The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, which placed first runner-up in the Open Category, said its personnel from the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies demonstrated strong teamwork, discipline, and technical competence throughout the competition.

Police Provincial Director PCOL George B. Buyacao Jr. commended the participants, saying the recognition reflects the preparedness and professionalism of NSPPO responders in assisting communities during emergencies and disasters.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)