CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — Demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian values, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) rescued and provided medical aid to a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) member following a military encounter in Brgy. Mabini, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on September 12, 2024.
The wounded rebel, identified only by the alias “Bentoy,” was among the 14 individuals engaged by the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion in the operation, which also led to the recovery of firearms and personal belongings, according to Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office.
Though Bentoy initially escaped capture, local citizens in Brgy. Lakandula, Las Navas, reported his whereabouts to the authorities. Soldiers, in coordination with the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC), provided first aid for a gunshot wound to his right leg before transporting him to Catubig District Hospital for further treatment.
Brig. Gen. Efren Morados, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, confirmed that Bentoy voluntarily surrendered after receiving medical attention. “Our soldiers demonstrated the Philippine Army’s dedication to ethical conduct and respect for human life,” Morados said.
“This counters the CPP-NPA’s false claims that surrendering rebels will face torture or death. Treating captured individuals with dignity helps build trust within local communities and encourages cooperation with government forces.”
Maj. Gen. Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 8ID, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to upholding the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
“We ensure the humane treatment of all individuals, including the right to proper medical care for wounded civilians. I hope Bentoy’s surrender inspires other NPA members to lay down their arms and embrace a new beginning with the government’s help.”
The 8ID has recently made significant strides in its operations, with several surrenders of high-ranking NPA leaders and the discovery of rebel hideouts and arms caches across Eastern Visayas. Among the notable surrenders was alias “Dungas,” former squad leader and vice platoon leader of Yakal Platoon, along with his wife, alias “Julita.” Both surrendered to the 87th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Canvais, Motiong, Samar.
In a separate operation on September 3, 2024, troops from the 14th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of Joey Calinawan, a full-time NPA member. His cooperation led to the discovery of an arms cache in Brgy. Tinocolan and Brgy. Old Taligue, Abuyog, Leyte. Additionally, on September 4, an arms cache believed to belong to members of Squad 3, Yakal Platoon, was discovered in Brgy. Pandol, Can-avid, Eastern Samar.
In another operation on September 7, 2024, informants assisted soldiers in seizing firearms used by the Apoy Platoon in Brgy. Osmeña, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
Maj. Gen. Ligayo highlighted these achievements as evidence of the NPA’s weakening presence in the region.
“We urge the remaining rebels to surrender and join the government’s reintegration program. We are ready to help them start anew.”
With Reports from Ricky Bautista
