2 rebels killed in Eastern Samar clash

TACLOBAN CITY – Two members of the communist New People’s Army were killed and two high-powered firearms were recovered in a fierce military encounter with the government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar early 28 October 2026.

The bodies of two unknown guerillas were found during the mopping operation after the rebels have fled from their camp. No casualty was recorded on the side of the government.

The 8th Infantry Division said the security operation of the 52nd Infantry Battalion was launched following information provided by residents on the presence of heavily armed terrorists who were actively planning extortion activities and sowing terror among agrarian communities in the area.

The 8ID said that while the troops were advancing to the NPA’s stronghold, they encountered a defensive perimeter rigged with numerous anti-personnel landmines prompting the military to use helicopters.

“The enemy’s deliberate deployment of these internationally banned explosives created an imminent and catastrophic hazard to the advancing infantry, designed to inflict maximum casualties on state forces,” the division said.

The 8ID said it authorized the deployment of air assets to ensure the safety of the troops and mitigate the severe threat posed by the landmine network.

“Tactical close air support was utilized to neutralize the explosive hazards from a safe distance, effectively clearing a path for the ground forces and preventing catastrophic loss of troop lives,” 8ID stated.

The military said precision artillery fire support were directed at the core of the enemy encampment to soften the enemy's fortified bunkers, disorganized their defensive lines, and suppressed enemy fire, preventing casualties on the government side.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front condemned the military’s excessive use of force during the combat which, it claims, resulted to heavy damage to the community.

Celine Manlimbasog, NDF spokesman in Eastern Visayas, denied that the NPA is using the banned anti-personnel landmines saying the military is only using it as a justification for bombing communities.

Manlimbasog said the NPA is using command-detonated explosives (CDX) which is allowed under the Ottawa Treaty. The NDF said CDX detonation is precise which a red soldier sets off against an armed target in a limited radius.

The NDF added that since last year, the NPA has adopted a strategy that increased mobility of its units thus it is impractical for the group to put many CDX around a camp which it will eventually abandon.