Army recovers firearm, explosives in Samar encounter

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army recovered a firearm and several explosives following a brief encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Cagtoto-og, San Jorge, Samar, early Monday morning, 2 February 2026.

In a report, the 801st Infantry Brigade said troops from the 3rd Infantry Battalion were conducting a security patrol in the area when they heard gunfire, prompting them to maneuver toward the suspected point of origin to secure the vicinity.

Upon reaching the location, government forces encountered an estimated five NPA members, resulting in a brief firefight, the report said.

The communist guerrillas eventually withdrew, abandoning a firearm, several explosives, and subversive documents as they fled to evade pursuing troops.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Following the encounter, the 8th Infantry Division immediately launched pursuit operations to track down the fleeing rebels and prevent them from regrouping.

The 8th Infantry Division said security operations remain ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of nearby communities.