Northern samar: The Philippine Army and local government officials in Northern Samar have come to the aid of a New People's Army (NPA) rebel who was injured in a recent military engagement.
According to Philippines News Agency, the rebel, known only by the alias "Lag-it," suffered a leg injury during a clash between government forces and NPA fighters in the mountainous region of San Isidro village in Las Navas. The confrontation, which occurred on July 31, resulted in the deaths of eight rebels and a soldier, as reported by the Philippine Army.
The injured rebel was brought to the attention of Las Navas Mayor Philbert Tan through San Francisco village chief Bobby Turbanada. Mayor Tan, who serves as the Chairman of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), promptly coordinated with the 20th Infantry Battalion to address the situation.
The 20th Infantry Battalion stated that the wounded rebel received initial treatment at the rural health unit in Las Navas before being transferred to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital for further medical attention. In addition to medical care, the battalion collaborated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to offer psychosocial support for the rebel's recovery and reintegration.
Mayor Tan emphasized the importance of compassion and understanding, stating, "We chose to save a life today. That is our duty - not just as public officials, but as fellow human beings. We are showing the nation that in Las Navas, we value peace, human dignity, and compassion - even for those who once took up arms against the government. This is the right path - not destruction, but hope."
Brigadier General Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, praised the local officials and residents for their swift and humane response. He noted that this incident highlights the growing collaboration between local communities and the military in Northern Samar and reflects the government's commitment to a whole-of-nation approach to ending local armed conflict.
