The Philippine Army on Wednesday said its 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division has intensified operations against the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), reporting significant gains in Northern Samar and Leyte over the past week.

Troops from the 803rd Infantry (Peacemakers) Brigade engaged Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) elements on November 29 in Barangay Nipa, Palapag, Northern Samar.

Acting on reports that CNTs were coercing local farmers to surrender portions of their crops, government forces launched an assault on a fortified enemy hideout, which was rigged with anti-personnel mines banned under International Humanitarian Law.

The operation, supported by precision fire, resulted in the neutralization of one CNT and the recovery of five high-powered firearms, including three M16 rifles and two M14 rifles, along with other war materiel.

Following the initial encounter, fleeing CNTs were pursued by the 78th Infantry “Warrior” Battalion, resulting in a second fatality and the seizure of an additional .45-caliber pistol in two successive skirmishes.

In a related development, the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion reported the voluntary surrender of three CNTs, including one High Value Individual, on November 30. The surrenderers also turned over two .45-caliber pistols.

One of the surrenderers, alias “Alon,” a former commanding officer of Front 41, confirmed that EVRPC operations have been severely disrupted, citing dwindling support from communities previously regarded as strongholds.

He further claimed that the EVRPC’s mobility is restricted and that once-claimed “mass bases” are now rejecting their presence due to repeated extortion, intimidation, and failed ideological promises.

The 8th Infantry Division emphasized that these engagements and surrenders reflect the rapid decline of EVRPC’s operational capacity. The division reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations while providing opportunities for CNT members to surrender and reintegrate into society.