Eight Suspected NPA Rebels Killed in Armed Clashes in Northern Samar

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) reported that eight suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed during armed confrontations in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on Thursday. According to an official statement issued Friday, local civilians alerted state forces about a group of armed individuals allegedly involved in extortion activities and threatening the farming community.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., military units launched an assault on the suspected rebel hideout, which was reportedly secured with International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-prohibited anti-personnel mines. Due to these dangers, the troops called in fire support. Seven suspected NPA members were killed in this initial engagement.

Later in the morning around 10:00 a.m., a follow-up encounter occurred when additional troops from the 803rd Infantry Brigade pursued rebel elements fleeing westward from the first clash location. This resulted in one more suspected rebel killed.

The military did not report any casualties among its personnel during these operations. Evidence recovered from the sites included five M16 rifles, two R4 rifles, and an M203 grenade launcher attachment.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of Joint Task Force Storm and the 8ID, reaffirmed the military’s stance against the insurgents, stating, "We have repeatedly called on them to return to their families, but this group continues to cling to their twisted ideology that has claimed the lives of countless Filipinos." He added, "We therefore reaffirm our call to the remaining members of the CTGs, this may be your best chance to lay down your arms, abandon the armed struggle, and return to the fold of the law. We will not stop until Eastern Visayas is free from your acts of terror. We will hit you hard."