6 NPA KILLED, 4 FIREARMS SEIZED IN LAS NAVAS NORTHERN SAMAR CLASH

Six Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were killed while four firearms were seized during the conduct of Joint Focused Military Operations of the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion, 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army in the hinterlands of Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar on December 02, 2024.

The operation was conducted following the information given by a concerned civilian that a group of armed men was seen passing through a hinterland area of the said barangay. These CTG members belong to the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visyas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) under Ariel Baselga alias poly/Aries. They are notorious Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who perpetrated numerous atrocities in the areas of Northern Samar and were encountered early morning, today.

 Based on the accounts of the encountered government troops, the terrorist's hideouts were heavily fortified and surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines (APMs) that prompted the troops to call for artillery support. Under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), these anti-personnel mines are prohibited.

 The government troops recovered six unidentified cadavers, two M16 rifles, two pistols, three grenades, and assorted personal belongings.

 Las Navas  Mayor Arlito Tan called on the remaining CNTs “Sa mga kapatid natin na patuloy na lumalaban sa gobyerno, ako ay nakikiusap na kayo po ay mag surrender at tumulong sa mga inisyatiba ng ating gobyerno, at sa mga naliligaw ng landas na mga kapatid, sa mga sugatan  kayo po ay magsurrender na. Ang gobyerno lokal, probinsya, at national ay naririto po, handang tumulong sa inyong pagbabagong-buhay at upang maipagpatuloy ang progreso ng ating bayan para sa inyong pamilya at sa buong bayan.”

 Meanwhile, JTF Storm and 8th Infantry Division Maj.Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio attributed the successful operation to the ongoing efforts to completely eliminate the CTG in the region. He emphasized the crucial role played by the residents of formerly conflict-affected communities in achieving this victory.

 "This operation is an initial step toward developing a peaceful and threat-free local election. As we all know, some political candidates have been threatened by the CTG, which has been demanding permits to campaign. That is why we encourage our political candidates not to give in to the demands of the CTGs and not to be afraid. We will support you, and together we will ensure a peaceful, fair, and honest election,”Maj. Gen. Orio said.

 The encountered CTG is notorious for numerous atrocities in Northern Samar such as extortions, killings of innocent people, and terrorizing the communities. On February 29, Hon. Joel Surio, Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan was shot to death by members of SRGU Amihan, EVRPC.

Among those atrocities were the recent series of harassments against 8ID troopers who were facilitating the delivery of basic and social services at the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage areas. On May 16, Cpl. Isagani Balmes a member of 19th IB was hit by a bullet on the left side of his chest while providing community support in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas, leading to his untimely death. On October 5, in Barangay Capotoan, Las Navas, Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) CAA Alejandro Claudio (unarmed) while on his way to render duty to the community was attacked by the CTGs.  Both incidents occurred in Northern Samar. 

 Additionally, multiple warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder have been issued against those responsible for these inhumane acts. “Itong mga CNT na ito ay may mga existing warrant of arrest dahil sa mga krimen na kanilang nagawa against the people of Northern Samar. We have brought the full force of the law upon them and delivered justice to their victims.” Maj. Gen. Orio added.#