By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday thanked villagers in Northern Samar for providing information that led to the recent neutralization of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the PA’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), emphasized the role of community support in the success of the operation in Northern Samar, considered the last bastion of insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
“This successful operation against the remnants of the EVRPC (Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee) following the two successive encounters in Northern Samar is a testament to the unwavering commitment and unyielding dedication of the 8ID and the vital cooperation of the people of Northern Samar,” Orio said in a statement.
“The neutralization of these rebels brings us closer to our goal of ending local communist armed conflict in the region.”
Orio was referring to the two NPA combatants who were killed in a brief but intense armed encounter in the upland San Jose village in Mapanas, Northern Samar, on Aug. 27.
Soldiers seized from the clash site two M16 rifles, hundreds of M14 ammunition, five long magazines, and other war materiel.
The military is currently conducting cross-investigation to determine the true identities of the two slain rebels.
One of them was initially identified as Motaw Ortazo, alias “Ibaro,” of Magsaysay village in Mapanas, Northern Samar, while the identity of the other rebel is still being confirmed by the authorities.
The encounter transpired during a focused military operation in response to reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed individuals conducting extortion activities in the upland communities of Mapanas town.
Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said the sustained deep partnership of the military and the local communities paved the way for the successful operation and, in return, would help foil the resurgence of the NPA in the communities.
“We call upon all the people of Northern Samar to unite with us in preserving peace and promoting development. Together, we will end local armed conflict and build a brighter, safer future for the people of Northern Samar,” Pangatungan said.
Lt. Col. Francis Rosales, commander of the Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion, hailed his troops’ determination and attributed the operational success to the cooperation of the residents.
“This series of victories proves that the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee is on its last breath in Northern Samar. The recent encounter has yielded another major downfall to their already crumbling organization. I assure the people of our sustained operational momentum, as we will strike without pause until our communities are completely free from their influence,” Rosales said in a separate statement.
This operational success adds to the series of serious defeats dealt upon the EVRPC in less than a month following the decisive blow in San Isidro village, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on July 31, 2025, where eight rebels were killed and 10 high-powered firearms were seized. (PNA)
