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TACLOBAN CITY - Two consecutive encounters led to the death of eight suspected members of the New People's Army and seizure of eight high-powered firearms in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar, Thursday.
The first firefight erupted at around 2:30 a.m. as troops of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division launched an assault on a heavily fortified enemy hideout surrounded by International Humanitarian Law (IHL)- banned anti-personnel mines (APMs).
The clash resulted in an intense exchange of fire, resulting in the death of seven NPAs and seizure of five M16 rifles and an R4 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher.
By 10 a.m., another clash ensued as reinforcing troops of the 803rd Infantry Brigade tracked down fleeing communist rebels west of the first encounter site.
The second encounter resulted in a 30-minute firefight resulting in the death of an NPA member and the seizure of one R4 rifle.
The Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee's regional headquarters attacked 8th ID troops in Barangay Dorillo, Jipapad, Eastern Samar on October 7, 2022.
The assault resulted in the wounding of a 10-year-old child, the deaths of two soldiers, and damage to civilian and government properties.
Las Navas Mayor Philbert Tan appealed to the remaining NPAs.
“Ang local na pamahalaan ng Las Navas, ang probinsya at pambansang pamahalaan ay narito at handa kayong tanggapin at tulungan sa inyong pagbabagong-buhay. Sama-sama nating ituloy ang pag-unlad ng ating bayan, para sa inyong pamilya at sa sambayanang Pilipino.”
Joint Task Force Storm and 8th ID commander Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio attributed the sucessful operation to the effective cooperation of residents on the 8th ID’s mission to eliminate the insurgency in the region.
He emphasized the crucial role played by the residents of formerly conflict-affected communities in achieving this victory.
"This may be your best chance to lay down your arms, abandon the armed struggle, and return to the fold of the law. We will not stop until Eastern Visayas is free from your acts of terror. We will hit you hard," Orio said.
