Top leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas were among those killed in recent clashes with government troops in Las Navas, Northern Samar, according to the Philippine Army (PA).
Former rebels have identified seven of the eight NPA members killed during two encounters in the mountains of San Isidro village on July 31. The deceased include Richard Jumadiao (alias Joban), leader of the sub-regional guerilla unit Laysan; Edgar Baselga (alias Ali), squad leader of the regional guerilla unit (RGU); and several others identified by their aliases, including Berbon, Jinky Senobio (alias Sinag), Marciano Pecayo (alias Lakay), Desoy, and Rico.
The PA linked Jumadiao and his group to multiple atrocities in Northern Samar, including ambushes, extortion, and the radicalization of civilians, which jeopardized government initiatives aimed at peace and sustainable development in the region.
“While these individuals chose to take up arms and engage in acts of terror, we continue to uphold our duty to treat the dead with dignity,” said Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the PA 8th Infantry Division. He noted that the PA is working with local government units to inform the families of the deceased and facilitate the claiming of their remains.
The military operation was launched following reports from a concerned civilian about armed men conducting extortion activities and threatening farmers in the area, known as an NPA stronghold. Following the clashes, soldiers recovered multiple firearms, including five M16 rifles, two R4 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, and a K3 light machine gun.
Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the PA 803rd Infantry Brigade, praised Northern Samar residents for their support in the government’s anti-insurgency efforts. “The recent armed encounters in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, are a clear demonstration of our resolve to protect Northern Samar from communist NPA terrorists who continue to threaten and extort our farmers,” he stated.