MAPANAS, Northern Samar – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an armed clash with soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion in the hinterlands of Barangay San Jose, Mapanas, Northern Samar, on Wednesday afternoon, August 27.
According to the Army, troops were acting on a tip from concerned residents when they launched a strike operation around 4:30 p.m., leading to a firefight with about 10 communist rebels believed to be part of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. Soldiers recovered several high-powered firearms following the skirmish.
Lt. Col. Francis D. Rosales, commanding officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion, renewed his appeal to NPA members to surrender, saying the clash underscores the consequences of refusing to abandon the armed struggle.
“We have been urging the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law. Unfortunately, two of them lost their lives for ignoring this call. We do not want this tragedy to happen again,” Rosales said.
The Army called on Northern Samar residents to report sightings of armed groups in their communities, stressing that public cooperation is crucial in ensuring peace and security in the province.
The encounter comes as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, intensifies efforts to dismantle remaining communist guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas and bring stability to conflict-affected areas.
