TACLOBAN CITY — San Jose de Buan Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde issued a sharp condemnation of the New People’s Army (NPA) after a December 3 encounter in Barangay Babaclayon of said town which left two soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division dead.
San Jose de Buan, a remote upland municipality in Samar, has long been identified as one of the remaining strongholds of the NPA in Eastern Visayas.
The town has been the site of multiple clashes in recent years as government forces continue efforts to dismantle the influence of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
In a strongly worded statement, Mayor Elizalde slammed the rebel group for what she called “violent acts and clear violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” saying the latest encounter once again disrupted the peace and stability in communities already affected by years of insurgency.
“In the name of all the residents of our town, we strongly condemn the NPA… This is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, and they must be held accountable,” the mayor said.
She cited reports that NPA members allegedly occupied private properties and used civilian communities as temporary hideouts, endangering innocent residents.
The 8th ID reported that soldiers were deployed to Brgy. Babaclayon after residents tipped off authorities about the presence of armed rebels in the area. While maneuvering to secure civilians and verify the reports, government troops were met with heavy gunfire, sparking a firefight that resulted in the fatal wounding of two soldiers.
The 8th ID condemned what it described as “heinous International Humanitarian Law violations” by the EVRPC and assured the families of the slain soldiers that full assistance, including military honors and benefits, will be provided.
Mayor Elizalde urged remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of government reintegration and livelihood programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives.
“Do not continue with your armed struggle. Come here and return to the fold of the law. The government is here to help you… You will even be given livelihood assistance for your new beginning,” she said, adding that surrendering rebels will be treated humanely.
The municipal government reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians, preserving peace and order, and upholding the rule of law in San Jose de Buan. Pursuit and clearing operations by the military remain ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
