Intensified ops neutralize 14 rebels in Northern Samar

LOST CAUSE. The bodies of slain rebels following clashes with government troops in San Isidro village, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on July 31, 2025. The Philippine Army on Tuesday (Sept. 2) said at least 10 rebels were killed, and four others have surrendered in Northern Samar province as a result of a month-long intensified campaign to wipe out the New People's Army. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 10 rebels were killed, and four others surrendered in Northern Samar province as a result of the intensified campaign to wipe out the New People's Army (NPA).

The Philippine Army reported on Tuesday that the momentum began on July 31, when eight NPA fighters died during two successive encounters in upland San Isidro village in Las Navas, Northern Samar, against the Eastern Visayas regional party committee (EVRPC) headquarters.

Four of the eight killed were key communist leaders. The clash also led to the surrender of one rebel and the seizure of 10 high-powered firearms, degrading the operational and armed capabilities of the EVRPC.

On Aug. 24, three more rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion based in Northern Samar. They also handed over to the government one .45 caliber pistol and one 9mm pistol.

The latest blow to the NPA in the province was the armed encounter on Aug. 27 in San Isidro village, Las Navas town, where two rebels died. Soldiers also seized two M16 rifles along with other war materiel.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID), stressed that the surrender of rebels is a victory of peace and a sign of growing trust and confidence of the people in the military.

"While we continue to strike hard against the remnants of the EVRPC, we also strive even harder to welcome those who choose to surrender and return to the folds of the law. This dual façade that the 8ID represents ensures that no one is left behind in our pursuit of lasting peace in Eastern Visayas," Orio stated.

The Philippine Army said the operational achievement forms part of the continuing campaign of the 8ID to end the EVRPC and foil the resurgence of their influence in Eastern Visayas. (PNA)

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