CATBALOGAN CITY — In a tragic confrontation on May 14, 2024, a soldier from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, lost his life during an armed skirmish with members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Gayondato, San Jorge, Samar.
Corporal Reycon Remedio, a native of Carigara, Leyte, succumbed to a fatal head wound sustained during the 45-minute firefight. Another soldier was also injured in the exchange of gunfire.
The clash erupted when troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) encountered remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), following reports of CTG presence in the hinterlands, prompting a swift military response.
The troops, deployed to facilitate the delivery of basic services through the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP), moved to confront the armed group upon receiving the information. However, as they approached the area, they came under fire from the CTGs, leading to the deadly encounter.
Lieutenant Colonel Fritz Montemor, commanding officer of the 3IB, condemned the ongoing violence instigated by the CTGs in Samar, emphasizing the community’s desire for peace and development.
“Our troops were deployed to facilitate the delivery of basic services to improve socio-economic development in the area. The people want to live in peace, free from harassment and intimidation. Let us give peace a chance,” stated Lt. Col. Montemor.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Cpl. Remedio, acknowledging the soldier’s sacrifice in safeguarding the residents of Gayondato in the pursuit of lasting peace in Eastern Visayas.
“It is unfortunate that another life was lost in the pursuit of peace. He offered his young life protecting the residents of Gayondato to attain lasting peace in Eastern Visayas,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo remarked.
Asserting the military’s unwavering commitment to community safety, Maj. Gen. Ligayo affirmed the continuation of operations against rebel forces while urging remaining insurgents to avail themselves of the government’s peace program and reunite with their families for a peaceful existence.
“This will not deter our resolve to continue our sworn duty to ensure the safety and security of our communities. There will be no let-up in our operations. I further call on the remaining rebels to lay down their arms, avail themselves of the government’s peace program, and reunite with their families to live a peaceful life,” emphasized Maj. Gen. Ligayo. (With reports and photo from the Division Public Affairs Office)
