Leyte clash leaves high-ranking insurgent dead

A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed Tuesday afternoon during a clash with government forces in the hinterlands of Barangay Caridad, military officials reported Wednesday.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division identified the deceased as Erwin Murillo Maceda, known as “Romnick,” who served as vice team leader 1 of the Island Committee Levox under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The five-minute encounter began after troops responded to reports from local residents that armed individuals were attempting to collect money and food in the community.

Returning fire, soldiers recovered an M16 rifle from the scene following the clash.

Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, said Maceda and his associates had been linked to extortion, threats against residents and business owners, and attacks on government installations across Leyte.

“The people of Leyte have endured years of fear, intimidation and disruption caused by armed groups. We will not allow these conditions to return to communities that have worked hard to achieve peace,” Almagro said.

Almagro stressed that community reporting proved vital in preventing armed groups from reestablishing networks or coercing residents.

Military officials urged remaining insurgent members to surrender and access government reintegration programs to return peacefully to civilian life.