Army facilitates burial of slain NPA combatant

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army coordinated with local government units to return the body of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) combatant killed in a clash on 25 February 2026 in the hinterlands of Brgy. Cabalagnan, Hinabangan, Samar.

Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, said the arrangements were made with the local governments of Hinabangan and San Sebastian, including notifying the family and providing a burial.

The combatant, known by the alias “Homer,” was buried in San Sebastian on 27 February, 2026 following a religious rite.

Authorities identified him as a wanted NPA leader with multiple arrest warrants. He was killed during an armed encounter between government troops and remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame in the forested area of Brgy. Cabalagnan. The military said the operation was conducted in response to civilian reports of armed men in the community.

Rosalejos emphasized that the burial was carried out in accordance with humanitarian norms and with respect for the deceased’s family.

He also reiterated appeals for remaining members of communist-terrorist groups in Samar and Eastern Samar to lay down arms and participate in government reintegration programs.

Hinabangan Mayor Clarito Rosal likewise called on rebels to end the armed struggle, citing ongoing opportunities under the National Amnesty Program.

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army facilitated a dignified burial of a combatant of the communist New People’s Army who was killed in an encounter last 25 February 2026 in the hinterlands of Brgy. Cabalagnan, Hinabangan, Samar.

Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, said his unit made the arrangements with the local government units of Hinabangan and San Sebastian for the return of the body of alias “Homer” as well as in providing a dignified burial after informing his family.

“Homer” was buried in his hometown in San Sebastian last 27 February, 2026 after a religious rite.

Rosalejos said “Homer” is a notorious NPA leader who was wanted for various crimes with multiple warrants of arrest.

He was killed during an armed encounter against forces of the 63IB and remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame in the forested area of Brgy. Cabalagnan after government troops conducted a strike operation in response to reports from the civilians regarding the presence of armed men in the community.

Rosalejos said that while the military remains steadfast in its mandate to protect communities from armed threats, it will remain true to its commitment to upholds the dignity of every human life.

“In our pursuit of bringing peace to the communities we serve, the 63rd Infantry Battalion’s coordination with the LGUs is our means of highest regard to humanitarian law and respect for cultural and moral obligations, even for those who took up arms against the government,” he said.

Rosalejos also reiterated the Army’s call to the remaining members of the Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTG) operating in Samar and Eastern Samar to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

Meanwhile, Hinabangan Mayor Clarito Rosal, called on the CTGs that the armed struggle is a futile fight that only undermines peace and development efforts.

Rosal invited the rebels to avail of National Amnesty Program while the application period remains open and take the chance to surrender and denounce violence while they still can.