Clashes disrupt heirloom Samar town rice harvest

TACLOBAN CITY — Agricultural activities in San Jose de Bauan municipality in Samar province came to a temporary standstill following consecutive skirmishes between government troops and armed men accused of extorting local residents.

Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde issued an emergency appeal advising farmers to stay indoors and refrain from tending to their fields to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Military officials attributed the fighting to two separate clashes Sunday in Barangay Hidoroma, where troops from the 801st Infantry Brigade responded to reports of an armed group demanding food and money from residents.

Army officers identified the insurgents as remnants of a dismantled New People’s Army unit attempting to regain control over former stronghold communities.

“The information shared by our community-partner proved vital in this operation,” said Col. Marlo Jomalesa, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade. “It allowed our troops to respond swiftly and decisively.”

San Jose de Buan, an agricultural town of nearly 8,000 residents, is the primary producer of Kalinayan rice, a premium heirloom red rice variety known for its distinct aroma.

Local officials expressed concern over the suspension of farming operations, which threatens the harvest season for the high-value crop.

Military clearing operations remain ongoing in the surrounding forested areas.