CATBALOGAN CITY — Two guerrillas of the communist New People’s Army were killed while assorted war materiels were seized in a series of encounters with the military in the hinterlands of Barangay Sto. Niño, Paranas, Samar on 5 February.

In a report, the 8th Infantry Division said the clash happened following a focused military operation that was conducted based on information given by concerned civilians that a group of armed men were seen conducting extortion activities in said barangay.

The 8ID said the initial clash occurred around 5 a.m. when troops of the 33rd Special Forces Company and troops from the 87th Infantry Battalion encountered an undetermined number of NPAs believed to be members of Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee in the hinterlands of Barangay Sto. Niño, Paranas, Samar.

At around 8 a.m. on the same day, other troops from 87IB encountered the same group attempting to evade government forces.

'This is our strong response to the wishes of our people to be free from the continuous threats of the remaining terrorists. We will continue to scour every mountain of Eastern Visayas until we get rid of the last CTG member.'

Minutes after the second encounter the blocking forces of 87IB encountered the evading guerrillas. The firefight lasted for three minutes that resulted in the death of two unidentified NPA members and the seizure of one M16 rifle, one caliber 45 pistol, two anti-personnel mines, one rifle grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition and other war materiel.

Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, extended his sympathies to the slain rebel’s family, emphasizing that the loss of life is always tragic and reiterating the military’s commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Lelina urged remaining NPA combatants to consider laying down their arms and embracing the government’s reintegration programs to build a more peaceful and progressive future.

8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel Orio said the success of the operation was made possible because of the concern and eagerness of the people to help the government eradicate communist terrorist groups (CTG) in Samar.

“This is our strong response to the wishes of our people to be free from the continuous threats of the remaining terrorists. We will continue to scour every mountain of Eastern Visayas until we get rid of the last CTG member,” Orio said.

He added that despite the aggressive operations against the CTGs, the government troops are still willing to help those who want to surrender and live a new and peaceful life with their families.