2 rebels die in clash with Army in NSamar

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TWO rebels were killed in separate encounters with pursuing government troops on Friday, March 28, in Barangay San Francisco and Barangay Cuenco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Maj. Jefferson Mariano, Public Affairs chief, 8th Infantry Division (8ID), said the clashes were the result of a focused military operation which became necessary following an information provided by concerned civilians on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the area.

Mariano said the initial encounter took place on March 23 in the hinterlands of Barangay Cuenco, where troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were engaged in a firefight with approximately 15 members of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Mariano said the encounter resulted in the death of one male CTG, identified as Domeng Tulin, alias "Pawa," and the recovery of four backpacks, two cellphones, and other personal belongings.

Subsequently, on March 28, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) encountered 10 members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) belonging to the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), led by an individual known as "Rebok," Mariano said.

After a seven-minute firefight, the CTG member abandoned the body of their fallen comrade. Government troops also recovered several items, including one M16 rifle, three long magazines, one backpack, and one bandolier.

Efforts are ongoing to identify the slain CTG, and military personnel are working to inform the family of the killed CTG member.

Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, 19IB commanding officer, extended his condolences to the families of the dead.

He commended the troops for their swift response, emphasizing that the army is committed to maintaining peace, security and ensuring the safety of communities in Northern Samar.

"This operation is a direct response to the grievances of the people against the terrorist group extortion and intimidation," said Rosalejos.

"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 that they can be reunited with their loved ones," added Rosalejos.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, newly appointed commander of the 8ID of the Philippine Army, has vowed to bring a decisive end to the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas.

"We are committed to protecting all Filipinos, and we are also giving opportunities to CTG members to surrender and reintegrate peacefully into the society," said Orio, who also encourages the remaining members of the CTG to avail the government's National Amnesty Program where they will be given a chance to start a peaceful life.

"If they will not heed the call to abandon the armed struggle and their misguided ideology such tragedies will continue to happen," said Orio.