TACLOBAN CITY — An Army battalion deployed to reinforce operations against remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas has completed its mission and returned to its mother unit in Tanay, Rizal.

The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division said the deployment of the 74th Infantry Battalion proved effective, contributing to improved peace and security across the region.

“Throughout its deployment, the Battalion consistently demonstrated professionalism, discipline and determination while conducting sustained combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations in support of the 8ID’s peace, security, and nation-building efforts,” the 8ID said in a statement.

The division reported that the battalion helped neutralize 164 Communist-NPA-Terrorists through combined focused military operations, intelligence work, and localized peace engagements.

It also seized 69 firearms, recovered 37 improvised explosive devices, and dismantled 37 enemy hideouts.

The 74th Infantry Battalion was deployed to Eastern Visayas on 17 February 2023 following operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan Province.

It initially operated in the towns of Mapanas, Palapag, Gamay, and Lapinig in Northern Samar against Guerrilla Front Committee 15.

After the dismantling of the guerrilla front, the unit was transferred to Leyte Island on 08 November 2025 to pursue remnants of Island Committee 47 Levox operating in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.

The 8ID said the battalion will assume new assignments under the 2nd Infantry Division. A send-off ceremony was held on 23 December 2025.