By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – Government forces seized five firearms in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Can-aponte in San Jose de Buan, Samar, the Philippine Army reported on Tuesday.
The recovered items included four M16 rifles, one .45-caliber pistol, a mobile phone, medical supplies, and personal belongings.
The Army said the clash occurred on Monday after concerned residents reported the presence of armed men passing through a farm in the area.
This led to a 30-minute firefight between troops of the 87th Infantry Battalion and about 30 members of the Yakal platoon, sub-regional committee Browser, of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
No casualties were reported from both sides.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, emphasized that the seizure marks another gain in the unit’s intensified operations to dismantle the remaining insurgents in Samar.
“With this recent seizure of firearms since May 2025, we have not only degraded the [communist rebels’] capability to sow fear among our communities, but we’ve also shown that armed struggle has no sanctuary in Samar,” Orio said.
Since June 1, the Army in Eastern Visayas has intensified its focused military operations, recovering more than 12 high-powered firearms and neutralizing eight rebels in Samar Island, including the surrender of alias “In-In,” a key figure of the NPA in Eastern Visayas. (PNA)
