By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – A series of military operations in Samar and Northern Samar provinces weakened the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) forces in Eastern Visayas, resulting in the discovery of lairs, recovery of firearms and surrender of three former members from Sept. 27 to Oct. 8, the Philippine Army said.
In a report released on Monday, the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said the operations targeted remnants of the NPA, particularly the Eastern Visayas regional party committee.
The encounters began with two successive engagements on Sept. 27 in Barangay Hiduroma, San Jose de Buan, Samar.
Further encounters occurred on Oct. 4 in Barangay Poponton and on Oct. 8 in Barangay Palanas, both in Las Navas, Northern Samar.
During the Oct. 4 encounter in Barangay Poponton, government troops recovered an M1 Carbine rifle. On Oct. 5, authorities recovered an M16 rifle and an M1 Garand rifle from an arms cache located with the assistance of a former Communist Terrorist Group member.
“The recovery of firearms, discovery of encampments, and surrender of three former members reflected the continuing pressure on the remaining armed elements as government forces sustained security operations in the two provinces,” the 8ID said in a statement.
The division also underscored the role of former members and local communities in supporting security efforts, noting that cooperation with authorities helps prevent firearms from remaining in the hands of armed groups.
The 8ID urged remaining rebels to lay down their arms and avail themselves of the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the Local Social Integration Program of local government units to facilitate their return to civilian life and reunification with their families.
The Army credited the local governments of San Jose de Buan and Las Navas, along with residents, for supporting security operations and coordinating with government forces. (PNA)
UNEARTHED. Firearms recovered by the Philippine Army on Oct. 5, 2026 after an armed encounter with rebels in Northern Samar. A series of military operations in Samar and Northern Samar provinces weakened the remaining New People’s Army forces in Eastern Visayas, resulting in the discovery of lairs, recovery of firearms and surrender of three former members from Sept. 27 to Oct. 8, the Philippine Army said.
