TACLOBAN CITY – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate clashes with government forces in Las Navas, Northern Samar, on March 28, 2025, the 8th Infantry Division reported.

The firefights occurred in Barangay San Francisco and Barangay Cuenco after the military launched an operation in response to reports of rebels engaging in extortion activities.
One of the casualties, identified as Domeng Tulin, alias “Pawa,” was killed in Brgy. Cuenco, while authorities are still verifying the identity of the slain rebel in Brgy. San Francisco.
Government troops also recovered firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings from the encounter sites.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased rebels. He also commended his troops for their swift action, emphasizing the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Northern Samar.

“This operation is a direct response to the grievances of the people against the terrorist group’s extortion and intimidation. We assure the public that the 19IB will not waver in its mission to bring lasting peace to the province. We also urge the remaining members of the NPA to embrace peace so they can reunite with their loved ones,” Rosalejos said in a statement.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th Infantry Division Commander, reiterated the government’s call for NPA members to surrender and reintegrate into society.

“We are committed to protecting all Filipinos, and we are also providing opportunities for CTG members to surrender and reintegrate peacefully. If they refuse to abandon the armed struggle and their misguided ideology, such tragedies will continue to happen,” Orio said in a separate statement.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The municipal government of Catarman, Northern Samar, has pledged its continued support for members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu), recognizing their role in maintaining peace and security in the capital town.

As part of this commitment, the Municipal Treasurer’s Office and the Office of the Municipal Mayor distributed cash allowances to Cafgu members for the first quarter of 2025 at the 43rd Infantry Battalion camp in Lope de Vega town.

A total of 77 Cafgu members received P3,000 each for the first quarter, along with an additional P1,000 that was originally intended for release in December 2024.

Under the leadership of Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III, the municipal government has committed to providing a monthly cash allowance of P1,000 to each Cafgu member from Catarman to assist with their family’s needs.

This initiative, which began in October 2024, is a priority of the current administration, with hopes that future town leaders will continue the program.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

BAYBAY CITY-Two individuals listed as street-level individuals (SLIs) on the local police drug watchlist were arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 1:46 am on March 29 in Zone 15, this city.

Authorities identified the suspects as alias “Pao,” 53, a painter, and alias “Polo,” 57, a beautician, both residents of the same barangay.

Confiscated from the suspects were five sachets of suspected shabu, one of which was purchased by an undercover agent for P500.

The remaining four sachets were recovered from the suspects—two sachets each. Also seized was a marked P500 bill used in the operation.

The suspects were informed of their rights in a language they understood and are now detained at the Baybay City Police Station (CPS).

They are set to face charges for violating Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(ROBERT DEJON)