Military: 8 NPA Rebels Killed in Northern Samar Clashes; High-Powered Arms Seized
LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar (AP) — Philippine Army troops killed eight members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and recovered high-powered firearms during two consecutive encounters in Barangay San Isidro on July 31, the military said.
The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division (8ID) said three of the slain rebels have been identified as Richard Jumadiao, also known as “Joban,” a key leader of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan; an alias “Berbon,” vice squad leader of the Independent Squad under the Regional Guerilla Unit (RGU); and Jinky Senobio, alias “Sinag,” a member of Squad 1, RGU. All were said to be part of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
The military launched the operation based on a tip from a civilian and information provided by a former rebel, 8ID said. The clash also led to the recovery of a K3 light machine gun and an M16 rifle, raising the total number of seized firearms to 10.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of Joint Task Force Storm and the 8ID, hailed the cooperation of the local community and vowed continued operations to end the armed communist insurgency in the region.
“We call on the remaining members of the NPA to surrender peacefully,” Orio said, offering government protection, assistance, and reintegration for those who lay down their arms.
The Army said it is coordinating with the Las Navas local government to notify the families of those killed and to support peacebuilding efforts in affected communities.