TACLOBAN CITY — Two active platoons of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the southern half of Samar were successfully dismantled in 2024, the Philippine Army reported on Sunday.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, said the “Bugsok” and “Apoy” platoons were dismantled following the relocation of the brigade’s headquarters to Borongan City from Ormoc City last 1 June 2023.

“Bugsok” and “Apoy” platoons were the two remaining NPA platoon formations under Sub-Regional Committee SESAME of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) operating in the southern side of the island in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.

Vestuir said three Philippine Army battalions — 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion — were responsible in taking down the communist guerilla units in the area.

Vestuir said that at the time the brigade relocated to Eastern Samar, SRC SESAME still had 67 active NPA fighters, 44 of which were under Apoy Platoon and 23 from Bugsok Platoon.

“Through synchronized efforts and the right force mix utilizing combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, 47 active NPA fighters were neutralized, and seized 87 assorted firearms and 54 IHL-banned anti-personnel mines until year-end 2024,” Vestuir said in a statement.

IHL stands for International Humanitarian Law, which regulates the conduct of warfare, protects the civilians and restrict the means and methods of warfare available to combatants.

Vestuir said that of the 47 neutralized NPA personalities of SRC SESAME, 43 surrendered because of the initiative of families in collaboration with stakeholders from the communities and the local government units.

IHL stands for International Humanitarian Law, which regulates the conduct of warfare, protects the civilians and restrict the means and methods of warfare available to combatants.

He added that these former rebels are now being assisted in processing their necessary documents to avail government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, Local Social Integration Program, Amnesty Program, and livelihood and financial assistance from the LGUs for them to be able to start a new life in the mainstream society.

Apoy and Bugsok Platoons were formally declared as dismantled through a National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC) Resolution Number 13 on 11 December 2024.

Vestuir said only 16 members of the two platoons remain in the mountain, five of whom are more than 60 years old. He said these remaining combatants are left without political direction from the communist party after their secretary surrendered due to hardships, hunger, and inhospitality of the communities towards the NPA.