By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – Following the recent deaths of two rebels in Northern Samar, the Philippine Army warned the New People’s Army (NPA) of more intensified focused military operations if they will not surrender.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, expressed his sadness over the continued violence of the NPA despite government’s efforts to encourage them to surrender and peacefully reintegrate into society.
“If they will not heed the call to abandon the armed struggle and their misguided ideology, such tragedies will continue to happen,” Orio said in a statement Monday.
Orio issued the statement after two rebels died in clashes in upland villages of Las Navas, Northern Samar on March 23 and 28, following the conduct of a focused military operation after civilians reported the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the area.
The initial encounter took place on March 23 in upland Cuenco village, where troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were engaged in a firefight with 15 NPA fighters.
Killed during the clash was Domeng Tulin, alias “Pawa.” Soldiers also recovered four backpacks, two mobile phones, and other personal belongings.
On March 28, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion encountered 10 NPA combatants in upland San Francisco village, where an unidentified rebel was killed after a seven-minute firefight. Government troops recovered from the site an M16 rifle, three long magazines, a backpack, and a bandolier.
“This operation is a direct response to the grievances of the people against the terrorist group’s extortion and intimidation. We assure the public that we will not waver in our mission to bring lasting peace to the province. We also urge the remaining members of the NPA to embrace peace so that they can be reunited with their loved ones,” Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commander of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement.
Last week’s clashes happened just days after three NPA members died in a series of clashes on March 16 in Mapanas, Northern Samar.
Philippine Army data show that there are about 114 remaining armed rebels in Eastern Visayas as of end-February this year. (PNA)
