Catbalogan City, Samar – The Army’s 8th Infantry Division hilippine Army’s on Wednesday identified two insurgents killed in recent armed encounters, including a high-ranking Communist-NPA leader from seven simultaneous clashes occurred on November 5, 2024, in the hinterlands of Barangay Sulitan, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The fatalities were identified as alias Baste/Randy/Nistah, a platoon and squad leader of Front 15, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic, and alias Jino, a member of Squad 2 in the Regional Guerrilla Unit of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
In addition to neutralizing the NPA troops recovered one M16 rifle, four .45-caliber magazines, subversive documents, and personal belongings at the encounter site.
Brigadier General Perfecto P. Peñaredondo, acting commander of the 8th Infantry Division, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, “The unnecessary loss of lives due to misguided ideology could have been avoided if they had chosen a peaceful path. We all dream of a peaceful and progressive community, so I urge the remaining CPP/NPA to heed the government’s call and become advocates for peace.”
Brig. Gen. Peñaredondo also commended the government troops for their unwavering commitment to their duties, especially in working to end the decades-long insurgency and promote socio-economic development in the community.