CATBALOGAN CITY – The Philippine Army confirmed that top leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were among the six casualties in an encounter on Monday, in the hinterlands of Brgy. Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

In a statement, the 8th Infantry Division said the casualties were identified by their former comrades as Ariel Baselga, known by the aliases Aries or Polly; Renar Diaz, alias Beloy or Monmon; Rey Tafalla, alias Bunso; James Arandia, alias Taying; Maricar Asinas, alias Ikar; and alias Kagid.

Two of these fatalities were said to be the top officials of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, the leadership of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in Northern Samar.

According to 8ID, Ariel Baselga served as the Secretary of SRC Emporium, who directed the operations of SRC Emporium, enforced the orders of the EVRPC, and authorized tactical offensives in Northern Samar.

Renar Diaz served as the Vice-Commander of the Sub-Regional Operations Command for SRC Emporium, responsible for planning and supervising the tactical operations of the guerrillas under SRC Emporium.

The military said the group is notorious for numerous atrocities in Northern Samar, including extortion, the killing of innocent civilians, and terrorizing communities.

The group is identified as responsible for the killing of Jeffrey Aceron, a Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA), on 28 February, and the murder of barangay kagawad Joel Surio of Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan, the following day.

The same rebels were also held responsible for attacks against soldiers and civilians who were delivering basic services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The soldiers requested the Philippine National Police Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) for a post-mortem examination following the encounter.

Multiple warrants for murder and attempted murder have been issued against members of this group.

The Joint Task Force Storm and the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the encounter while reiterating the Army’s commitment to upholding dignity and respect, even for adversaries.

“It is saddening to see fellow Filipinos deceived by the false ideologies of communist terrorists meet such a tragic end. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families,” Orio said.

“While they were our enemies, we honor their humanity by providing them with a proper and dignified burial. However, this outcome could have been avoided if they had chosen to lay down their arms and surrender,” he added.

The encounter on Monday not only resulted in the deaths of several NPA members, but also led to the recovery of four firearms, a grenade, assorted ammunition, cell phones, and subversive documents, seized by soldiers from the 19th Infantry "Commando" Battalion of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA.