Eastern Visayas Army: Decisive blows weakened NPA in region

INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — The military in Eastern Visayas has claimed delivering “decisive blows” to the remaining forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) this year.

The military operations and encounters, conducted throughout 2024, led to the deaths of high-value NPA leaders, the surrender of several members, and the seizure of a significant cache of firearms and explosives, and their camps.

These developments have weakened the local communist armed group operating in the region, particularly on Samar Island, said Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) based in Catbalogan City, Samar in a statement on Monday, Dec. 23.

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“These successful operations highlight our unyielding commitment to preventing the communist terrorist group’s atrocities and maintaining peace in the region,” Orio said.

“We also recognize the vital cooperation of partner stakeholders and the civilian population in achieving these milestones.”

From January to December 2024, the military engaged in 93 armed clashes with the NPA.

These operations resulted in the deaths of 41 rebel members, including six key leaders, the recovery of 75 firearms, and the seizure of 48 anti-personnel mines (APMs).

Additionally, troops discovered 143 NPA lairs, and facilitated the surrender of three officials.

The 8th ID reported that these operations had also led to the dismantling of 143 NPA camps in the region, mostly on Samar Island.

Military officials reiterated that the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas is primarily concentrated on Samar Island, particularly in Northern Samar.

They have expressed confidence in ending the region’s insurgency problem before the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ends.