Manila: The Philippine Army (PA) has thwarted a potential threat to local communities following an armed encounter with remnants of the New People's Army in the mountains of Javier, Leyte. The brief firefight erupted during a focused military operation targeting remnants of the dismantled members of the NPA Island Committee Levox of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

According to Philippines News Agency, the PA stated it recovered a Garand rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and various personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels. Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commander of the PA's 14th Infantry Battalion, noted that the operation was launched on Wednesday to prevent possible harassment and threats to residents in the area.

'Our mission is to protect the people from violence and fear. This encounter is part of our effort to ensure that communities are safe from NPA influence and intimidation,' Sumalinog said. Government forces launched the combat operations in response to reports from local residents about the presence of armed communist insurgents in the area. The soldiers immediately engaged the rebels, who eventually retreated toward the nearby forest after a brief exchange of gunfire.

Military officials emphasized that such operations are critical in preventing the resurgence of communist activities, especially in areas where former rebel units have been dismantled. 'We stand firm in our mission to put an end to the remaining threats of the CTG (communist terrorist group),' Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said. 'Our operations will continue hand in hand with local governments and the people of Eastern Visayas until peace, stability, and genuine progress are fully achieved.'

Col. Rico Amaro, acting commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, reinforced the PA's determination to pursue the remaining insurgents. 'Our troops will continue to pursue them relentlessly to ensure that communities can live free from fear and violence,' he said. Army officials reiterated their call to the remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of the government's enhanced comprehensive local integration program, which provides livelihood and reintegration support for former rebels.