One member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops during a focused military operation early Friday morning, April 17, in Barangay Salvacion, Jiabong, Samar.
Troops from the 46th Infantry “Peacemakers” Battalion under the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division engaged members of the Sub-Regional Committee Browser under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee at around 6:45 a.m.
According to the military, the operation was launched after receiving information from concerned residents regarding the presence of armed communist fighters in the area.
Soldiers encountered about four communist terrorist group members believed to be part of the Yakal Platoon, which led to a brief exchange of gunfire.
One enemy combatant, identified by authorities as alias “John Paul,” was killed during the encounter.
Government forces reported no casualties on their side.
Following the firefight, troops conducted clearing operations and recovered one M4 Bushmaster rifle from the encounter site. Authorities also seized assorted food supplies and personal belongings believed to have been left behind by fleeing rebels.
Military officials said the recovered items would be subjected to further documentation and processing.
Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, commanding officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion, said the operation demonstrated the continued effectiveness of focused military efforts against communist armed groups operating in Samar.
