By Roel Amazona

CLASH. The body of a New People’s Army rebel lies in the hinterlands of Jiabong, Samar, following a fatal encounter with the 14th Infantry Battalion on Tuesday (April 21, 2026). Military officials later confirmed that the slain insurgent was a 17-year-old who was recruited into the armed movement at the age of 13. (Philippine Army photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) member killed in a recent encounter with government troops in Jiabong, Samar was a minor, a military official said Tuesday.

Capt. Christopher Tataro, spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), disclosed this information after the family identified the body following the April 17 clash.

Tataro said the 17-year-old fatality, alias “John Paul,” was a native of San Jose de Buan and was reportedly been recruited into the armed movement at 13.

“He was with the Yakal Platoon during the encounter, but further verification showed that he was a member of the Regional Security Force under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee,” Tataro said.

The encounter involved troops from the 14th Infantry Battalion who were conducting operations in a hinterland village in Jiabong.

Following the encounter, the military renewed its call for remaining communist rebels to surrender and return to the fold of the law, assuring them of government assistance for reintegration.

Tataro also urged communities to support efforts in persuading insurgents to lay down their arms.

“The communist problem is not just a military concern but also a socio-economic issue. Communities must reject communist ideology, while the government continues to deliver basic services on the ground,” he said. (PNA)