The 14th Infantry Battalion under the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division of the Philippine Army on Tuesday reported that it engaged in a 10-minute armed encounter with six members of the Regional Security Force (RSF) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Mobo-ob, San Jorge, Samar, on 16 February 2026.

The troops launched the operation following reports from concerned residents regarding the presence of an armed group conducting intimidation and extortion activities that threatened the safety and livelihood of local communities.

Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo Sumalinog, Commanding Officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion, emphasized the vital role of community cooperation in sustaining operational success.

“We are grateful to the local residents who reported the presence of this armed group. Your cooperation is vital in our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. Rest assured that our troops will remain committed and will continue to intensify security operations to protect communities and eliminate the remaining insurgents,” Lt. Col. Sumalinog said.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division renewed its call for remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to abandon the armed struggle, return to the folds of the law, and avail themselves of the government’s Amnesty Program, which remains open for the filing of applications until March 13, 2026.

“The 8ID remains resolute in its mandate to protect the people and secure communities. We encourage the remaining members of Communist Terrorist Groups to choose the path of peace, surrender peacefully, and take advantage of the government’s reintegration and amnesty programs. The government is ready to help them start a new life together with their families.”

Under the Amnesty Program, qualified former rebels may be granted relief from criminal liabilities related to their involvement in the armed struggle, subject to existing laws. The program also supports their reintegration into mainstream society.