By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army condemned the extortion and intimidation of civilians by remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in remote villages in Las Navas, Northern Samar, saying such acts expose the armed group’s disregard for the communities it claims to represent.
In a statement Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said the NPA’s efforts to extort and threaten residents are deliberate acts against civilians and reflect the group’s dwindling influence in the area.
“Extortion and intimidation are deliberate acts against the very people the NPA claims to serve. But our communities are no longer willing to be victimized,” Pangatungan said.
His remarks followed an armed encounter between troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion and NPA members in Barangay Poponton in Las Navas town on Oct. 4, after residents reported the group’s alleged extortion and threats against civilians.
The Army said troops immediately responded to the community tip-off and subsequently encountered the armed group, triggering a firefight that lasted about 5 minutes before the armed rebels withdrew from the area.
No government troops were reported killed or wounded in the encounter, while soldiers recovered one M1 carbine rifle and two M1 carbine magazines from the site.
Pangatungan credited the residents’ willingness to report the alleged threats for helping government forces respond to the situation, saying the military remains committed to protecting communities from violence and intimidation.
The military also called on remaining NPA members to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of the law, saying they may avail of government assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, Local Social Integration Program, and the amnesty program.
The programs are intended to help former rebels rebuild their lives, reunite with their families, and reintegrate into peaceful communities, according to the Philippine Army. (Sarwell Q. Meniano/PNA)
RECOVERED. One of the rifles and magazines recovered by soldiers after a clash in Barangay Poponto, Las Navas, Northern Samar on Oct. 4, 2026. A community tip-off on the alleged extortion and threats by New People’s Army remnants against civilians prompted government troops to respond and engage the armed group in a firefight.
