Tacloban City – A member of the New People’s Army was killed in an armed encounter at the remote outskirts of Brgy. Hitapi-an, Catubig, Northern Samar this morning, June 23.
Captain Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson and Chief of 8th ID Public Affairs unit said that the encounter occured after government troops respondeds the reports of concerned citizens regarding an activities linked to NPAs especially their forceful extortion of essential supplies from local residents and farmers on the outskirts of the barangay, the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion promptly initiated Focused Military Operations.
The 20IB We Lead Troopers, along with adjacent forces, were immediately deployed to verify reported incidents. These include cases where farmers are being coerced and deprived of their supplies and earnings on their own farmlands, with tactics resembling those of roaming bandits. Members of the CTG are also planning harassment and ambuscades against government troops supporting the implementation of government programs in former conflict-affected barangays and Geographically Isolated and Depressed Areas (GIDAs). This group is also responsible for the recent incident in Brgy. Manering, Catubig, Northern Samar on June 1, where they attempted to harass the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Team conducting sustainment efforts. These actions highlight the significant disruption caused by the CTGs and underscore their lack of community support, portraying them as lawless elements targeting vulnerable communities.
Accordingly ,during the conduct of these operations, the government forces from the 20IB encountered approximately five (5) CTG members, leading to a 15-minute firefight. These CTGs were identified as members of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) of the Front Committee-15, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) ARCTIC, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). They were known for their involvement in intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities.
Following the firefight, the NPA rebels retreated, leaving behind their deceased member, while the government troops seized two (2) M16 rifles and one (1) R4 rifle. Clearing and pursuit operations are still ongoing as of the publication of this report.
Additionally, the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion has coordinated with the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC) and the Local Government Unit of Catubig to facilitate the decent burial of the slain rebel. The said rebel has yet to be identified.
Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor, Commanding Officer of 20IB, reiterated the battalion’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of the people in the Municipality of Catubig, and the Second District of Northern Samar. He called upon the continued support of the Nortehanons in achieving lasting peace and creating conditions for sustainable development.
Lt. Col. Villaflor expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizens who promptly informed the government troops on the whereabouts and planned activities of the said CTG members. He also commended the leadership of Hon. Mar A. Bulagnir, BTF-ELCAC Chairman of Brgy. Hitapi-an, and the entire community for their steadfast support to Task Force-ELCAC programs and initiatives.
“In light of yet another unfortunate incident where another CTG member has lost his life, we extend a heartfelt plea to all remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Groups. Surrender peacefully and return to your families. The government awaits you with open arms, ready to support your fresh start through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other initiatives under Municipal Task Force – ELCAC and MTF Balik-Loob. Embrace this opportunity for a better future,” Lt. Col.Villaflor added.
Catubig Municipal Mayor, Solomon G. Vicencio expressed that the whole Catubig will continue supporting the Philippine Army in ending local communist armed conflict and insurgency problems in Northern Samar. “Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid nating naliligaw pa rin ng landas at patuloy na nabibiktima ng maling ideolohiya, panahon na para magbalik-loob kayo sa gobyereno at umuwi kayo sa inyong mga tahanan. Panahon na para itigil ang armadong pakikibaka. Mananatiling bukas ang aming himpilan sa inyong pagbabalik. Sabay-sabay tayo sa pagsusulong nang tunay na kapayapaan at tuluy-tuloy na kaunlaran sa minamahal nating Catubig,” the local chief executive added.