CATBALOGAN CITY — Six members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while four firearms were seized during the conduct of a Joint Focused Military Operation of the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion in the hinterlands of Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar Monday.

The operation was launched in response to information given by a concerned civilian that a group of armed men was seen passing through a hinterland area of the said barangay.

The 8th Infantry Division said the guerrillas belong to the Sub-Regional Committee Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) under Ariel Baselga alias Poly/Aries whose group is notorious for numerous atrocities in the areas of Northern Samar.

Responding troops found the NPA hideouts heavily fortified by prohibited anti-personnel mines that prompted the troops to call for artillery support. The International Humanitarian Law prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines in the conduct of war.

After the exchange of fire, government troops recovered six unidentified cadavers, two M16 rifles, two pistols, three grenades and assorted personal belongings.

Las Navas Mayor Arlito Tan appealed to the remaining NPA combatants to lay down their arms, return to mainstream society and avail of the government services intended for them.

Crucial role

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

Orio said the operation is an initial step in achieving a peaceful and threat-free conduct of local election next year. He said some politicians feel threatened due to the demand of communist group to secure permits to campaign from them.

Orio appealed to political candidates not to give in to the demands of the rebel group, assuring them of the support of the military to ensure a peaceful, fair, and honest election.

The 8ID said the rebel group is notorious for numerous atrocities in Northern Samar such as extortions, killings of innocent people and terrorizing the communities.

Among them is the killing of barangay kagawad Joel Surio of Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan who was shot to death by members of Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Amihan, EVRPC last 29 February.

The 8ID also said the group is responsible of the recent series of harassments against its troops that were facilitating the delivery of basic and social services at the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage areas.

On 16 May, 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 5 October, 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.

Members of the guerrilla unit have multiple warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder issued against them.