Samar: The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division delivered major gains against the New People's Army in Samar Island from May to June this year after the death as well as surrender of several rebels, and seizure of assorted firearms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Army reported that two prominent rebels, known by the aliases Jud/Atom/Iso and Nadin/Brix/Adrian, surrendered to the troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion in Basey, Samar on May 26. The surrender included the turnover of an M4 A1 Carbine and an M16 rifle.
The first armed encounter occurred on May 29 in San Jose de Buan, Samar, resulting in the death of an unidentified communist terrorist.
On June 2, 2025, alias In-In, a vice squad leader, surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion. This led to the discovery of an arms cache that included two M14 rifles, an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, improvised hand grenades, and medical supplies. The same day, alias Bug-ot of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee also surrendered.
A significant clash on June 3 in upland Nagoocan village led to the deaths of five NPA members and the recovery of multiple high-powered firearms.
Another encounter on June 9 in Can-aponte village resulted in the seizure of firearms, a pistol, medical supplies, and personal belongings from the Yakal platoon.
The most recent clash on June 15 in Pinanag-an village saw the death of a rebel known as Jomar Discar and the recovery of an M653 rifle.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio emphasized the cooperation of Eastern Visayas residents in these operations and reiterated the government's openness to reconciliation, encouraging remaining NPA members to surrender and benefit from the National Amnesty Program.
