TACLOBAN CITY — A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while government troops recovered several high-powered firearms in a follow-up operation in the hinterlands of Gandara and San Jorge, Samar on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, said in a report.
Soldiers from the 46th Infantry Battalion, which is based in Calbiga, Samar, engaged remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser in what the Army described as intensified security operations against insurgents in the area.
The 9:10 a.m. encounter resulted in the death of one communist rebel and the seizure of three high-powered firearms — two M16 rifles and one M14 rifle — along with assorted war materiel left behind as the armed group fled.
The follow-up operation came a day after troops clashed with members of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon of SRC Browser in Barangay Geraganan, Gandara, on November 22, where one M16 rifle, one M4 rifle, and personal belongings of fleeing rebels were recovered after residents reported the presence of armed men allegedly threatening civilians and conducting extortion.
Pursuit operations continue as soldiers discovered bloodstains at the previous encounter site, indicating the possibility of wounded rebels escaping.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, credited community cooperation in helping locate armed groups.
“I am grateful and I appreciate all the efforts of our troops on the ground. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand in our pursuit of achieving long and lasting peace. I assure you that your Army in Eastern Visayas will never relent until we neutralize the remaining communist terrorists group,” Orio said.
The Army said operations will persist to secure communities and dismantle remaining insurgent networks in Samar.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
