Tacloban city: The newly appointed commander of the Philippine Army's 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB) has pledged to continue the progress made by government forces in combating insurgency in the northern region of Leyte Island. Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, during the turnover ceremony, emphasized his commitment to eradicating the remaining New People's Army (NPA) members operating in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 93rd IB is responsible for overseeing the towns and cities in the central and northern parts of Leyte province, as well as the island province of Biliran. Lt. Col. Sayson stated that his new assignment is an opportunity, highlighting his experience in internal security operations as the focus shifts towards external defense.

Prior to the leadership transition, the army unit, under the command of Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot, successfully neutralized a high-ranking NPA official during an encounter in Carigara, Leyte, on June 18. This operation resulted in the death of Juanito Sellesa Jr., also known as Tibor, an executive committee member of the Island Committee Levox of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The clash in Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte also led to the deaths of Eugene Paclita, known as Dimple, and Lito Laurente, alias Dodong, who were leader and member of Squad 2 of the NPA unit, respectively. Lt. Col. Sayson noted that only seven NPA members remained in Squad 2 Platoon 1 of the Island Committee Levox following the encounter.

Lt. Col. Sayson issued an ultimatum to these remaining members, urging them to surrender and spend time with their families as their only remaining safe space. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, expressed confidence in Sayson's ability to lead the battalion with the same dedication as his predecessor.

Maj. Gen. Orio commended Lt. Col. Saclot for his significant contributions to the effort to end local insurgency in Eastern Visayas, entrusting the battalion to another capable and committed leader in Lt. Col. Sayson.