Gandara: Government troops clashed with members of the New People's Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Gandara and San Jorge, Samar on Sunday, resulting in the death of a female rebel and the recovery of several high-powered firearms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army's 46th Infantry Battalion, operating under the 801st Infantry Brigade (IB), reported on Monday that a female member of the Sub-Regional Committee Browser of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee was killed during the series of armed encounters that started on Saturday. Troops recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, war materiel, and personal belongings at the encounter site. The military said the seizure impacts the operational capability of the NPA in the region.
Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, commander of the 801st IB, lauded the soldiers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the unit's commitment to addressing the remaining armed groups in Samar. 'Our soldiers continue to pursue these lawless elements with resolve and precision,' Sendaydiego said. 'We will not allow these groups to threaten the security of the communities. We will continue to sustain our focused military operations until peace is fully restored in every sitio and barangay under our watch.'
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, emphasized that the operation aligns with the division's broader mission of promoting peace and development across Eastern Visayas. 'Every successful operation brings us closer to a more stable and progressive Eastern Visayas. We remain steadfast in our duty to safeguard our communities so development can take root and flourish,' Orio said.
The operation was launched following consistent reports from concerned residents regarding the presence of armed individuals allegedly coercing and intimidating local communities. The Philippine Army emphasized that timely information from civilians played a crucial role in enabling the troops to respond swiftly and effectively, thereby ensuring the safety and security of the affected communities.
