TACLOBAN CITY – The military in the region has reported delivering “decisive blows” to the remaining forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) this year.
The military operations and encounters conducted throughout 2024 led to the deaths of high-value NPA leaders, the surrender of several members, and the seizure of a significant cache of firearms and explosives, and their camps.
These developments have weakened the local communist armed group operating in the region, particularly on Samar Island, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said in a statement on Monday, December 23.
“These successful operations highlight our unyielding commitment to preventing the communist terrorist group’s atrocities and maintaining peace in the region,” Orio stated. “We also recognize the vital cooperation of partner stakeholders and the civilian population in achieving these milestones.”
From January to December 2024, the military engaged in 93 armed encounters with the NPA.
These operations resulted in the deaths of 41 rebel members, including six key leaders, the recovery of 75 firearms, and the seizure of 48 anti-personnel mines (APMs).
Additionally, troops discovered 143 NPA lairs, and facilitated the surrender of three officials.
The surrendered officials were identified as alias Ruby, secretary of SRC Sesame, who surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion on November 29; alias Ara, squad leader of Squad 2, Apoy Platoon, SRC Sesame, who surrendered on March 29; and alias Geo/Omer, squad leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Laysan, SRC Arctic, who surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion.
The six slain NPA leaders were Ariel Baselga, alias Ariel/Polly, secretary of SRC Emporium, killed in an encounter at Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on December 2; Glen Acebuche, alias Baste, squad leader of Squad 2, remnants of the dismantled Front Committee 15; Genaro Adarayan, alias Tibay, finance officer of SRC Emporium, killed in an encounter at Barangay Victory, Las Navas, on December 4; Monmon Diaz, alias Beloy, vice-commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Operational Command (SROC), SRC Emporium, killed in Barangay Paco, Las Navas, on December 2; and Joey Locindo, alias Towing, squad leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Laysan, SRC Arctic.
The 8th ID reported that these operations have also led to the dismantling of 143 NPA camps in the region, mostly on Samar Island.
Military officials reiterated that the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas is primarily concentrated on Samar Island, particularly in Northern Samar.
They have expressed confidence in ending the region’s insurgency before the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concludes.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, were established during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the incumbent President.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
