Silvino lubos: A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with soldiers in the upland Gusaran village in Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar. The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army reported that the 30-minute clash between troops of the 19th Infantry Battalion and the rebels occurred around 6:57 a.m. This confrontation followed a tip from a concerned citizen about the group's extortion and other illegal activities. From the encounter site, troops recovered one M16 rifle, two magazines, backpacks, a bandolier, personal items, and various documents believed to be subversive.

The PA's 8th Infantry Division characterized the encounter as a significant setback for the remnants of the sub-regional committee Emporium of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. Reports of armed individuals conducting extortion and coercing farmers to surrender parts of their harvested crops had been persistent, causing disruption and fear among local communities reliant on subsistence farming.

Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the PA's 803rd Brigade, praised both the civilian informant and the operating troops. He emphasized the military's commitment to safeguarding communities and upholding peace in Northern Samar. Pangatungan highlighted that the operation illustrates the civilians' growing intolerance toward the difficulties imposed by the communist terrorist group.

He urged residents, especially in remote areas, to maintain cooperation with authorities to aid in ending the local insurgency. Additionally, Pangatungan appealed to remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of government assistance programs designed for reintegration and livelihood support.

The Philippine Army reiterated its dedication to intensified operations aimed at tracking down the remaining NPA combatants in Northern Samar and eradicating their presence in the region.