CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Six alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, and four firearms were seized during a Joint Focused Military Operation by the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion and the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division of the Philippine Army in the hinterlands of Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar on December 2, 2024.
The operation was launched following a tip from a concerned civilian who reported a group of armed men passing through a remote area in the barangay. The group, believed to be members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), is led by Ariel Baselga, also known as “Poly” or “Aries.” The NPA rebels are notorious for committing various atrocities in Northern Samar.
According to military reports, the rebels’ hideouts were heavily fortified and surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines (APMs), which prompted government forces to request artillery support. Under International Humanitarian Law, APMs are banned due to their indiscriminate nature.
The military recovered six unidentified bodies, two M16 rifles, two pistols, three grenades, and assorted personal belongings from the scene.
In response to the incident, Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan appealed to remaining NPA members to surrender. “To our brothers and sisters still fighting against the government, I implore you to lay down your arms and join the government’s initiatives. To those who have lost their way, especially the wounded, please surrender. Local, provincial, and national governments are here, ready to assist you in your reintegration into society and in continuing the progress of our community, for the benefit of your families and the entire town,” Mayor Tan said.
Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, head of the Joint Task Force Storm and the 8th Infantry Division, credited the success of the operation to the ongoing efforts to eradicate the NPA in the region. He underscored the pivotal role of the residents in former conflict-affected areas in achieving this victory.
“This operation marks an important step toward ensuring a peaceful and secure local election. As we know, some political candidates have faced threats from the NPA, which has been demanding campaign permits. We urge candidates to stand firm and not yield to the NPA’s extortion. We will support you, ensuring a peaceful, fair, and honest election,” Major General Orio stated.
The NPA group involved in this clash is responsible for several violent incidents in Northern Samar, including extortion, killings, and acts of terror against local communities. Among their atrocities, on February 29, 2024, Hon. Joel Surio, Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan, was murdered by members of the SRGU Amihan of the EVRPC.
Other attacks attributed to the NPA include the killing of Cpl. Isagani Balmes of the 19th Infantry Battalion on May 16, 2024, in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas, and the ambush of CAFGU member Alejandro Claudio on October 5, 2024, in Barangay Capotoan, Las Navas. Both incidents occurred while the soldiers were providing essential services to remote communities in Northern Samar.
Multiple warrants for murder and attempted murder have been issued for those responsible for these crimes.
“These NPA members have existing arrest warrants due to their violent acts against the people of Northern Samar. We have used the full force of the law to bring justice to their victims,” Major General Orio added.
