By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The death of three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a series of clashes on March 16 in Mapanas, Northern Samar is a big blow to the communist movement in Northern Samar province, considered the last bastion of insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, assistant chief of staff of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division’s Civil Military Operations, said two of the slain combatants have been identified, and the other one is believed to be a ranking leader of the armed group.
“They are remnants of the NPA regional guerrilla unit and front committee 15. There are only a few of them, and they are scattered in Northern Samar. The death of their three members will further diminish their strength,” Buban said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press briefing Tuesday.
The two slain rebels were identified as Ronnie Pajares, alias Badora, from Eastern Samar, and Edmon Oros, alias Dalisay, from Lapinig, Northern Samar. The identity of the third rebel remains unknown and is still in the process of thorough identification, Buban said.
The initial clash, which claimed the life of a rebel, occurred around 6 a.m. Sunday in upland San Jose village in Mapanas town when troops encountered a band of rebels. Soldiers seized an M14 rifle, a banned anti-personnel mine, two blasting caps, and other personal belongings.
Minutes after the first encounter, troopers engaged the same group attempting to evade government forces. The encounter killed another combatant and led to the recovery of an M16 rifle and assorted ammunition.
Hours after the second encounter, the blocking forces encountered the evading rebels. After the 10-minute firefight, soldiers recovered two backpacks.
Before noon on the same day, another team of soldiers encountered the fleeing enemy, resulting in the death of another NPA member and the seizure of one M14 rifle, one M4 rifle, ammunition, and other war materiel.
“The encounter ensued after villagers provided information to the military about a group of armed men who were seen conducting extortion activities in their community. This is proof that NPA members are not getting support from their previously influenced communities,” Buban added.
As of end-February, there are only 119 remaining armed NPA members in Eastern Visayas.
Their number significantly dwindled between 2019 and 2024 due to focused military operations and interventions by member agencies of the task force to end local communist armed conflict. (PNA)
