TACLOBAN CITY — A soldier who was deployed to secure a community to facilitate the delivery of social and basic services in a far-flung village was killed when his team clashed with members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay San Roque, Matuguinao, Samar on Sunday morning.

Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division, said Corporal Bobby Barocaboc was killed when his team figured in a clash with around 10 members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium at around 10 in the morning.

There were no other injured soldiers in the clash while blood stains were found along the trail where the NPA rebels escaped indicating of possible wounded communist guerillas.

Mariano said the 8ID already launched a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels.

8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio extended his sympathies to the family of the fallen soldier.

“Corporal Barocaboc has paid an ultimate sacrifice for the people of Eastern Visayas. His death fuels us to continue what we have started. The military will never cease in pursuing the remaining insurgents for us to achieve lasting peace and progress in the community,” Orio said.

Meanwhile, another clash also on the same day in the hinterlands of Barangay Calapi, Motiong, Samar.

Mariano said troops from the 801st Infantry Brigade were conducting Focused Military Operations when they encountered members of Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The encounter resulted in the seizure of assorted war materiel, medical supplies and personal belongings.

Orio also encourages active NPA members to avail and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program offered by the government. He said rebels who plan to surrender may coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange for their safe passage and formalize their application for amnesty.

In Southern Leyte, troops from the 14th Infantry Battalion unearthed an arms cache belonging to the NPA in the hinterlands of Barangay Buak Daku, Sogod town, last 2 February 2025.

The arms cache included one M16 rifle, one short magazine and subversive materials.