07/11/2024
Press Release
Series of Armed Encounters in Northern Samar Leads to the Death of Two Communist NPA Terrorists
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar – A series of armed encounters occurred between the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade and members of the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU) under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) earlier today, November 5, 2024, in the hinterlands of Barangay Sulitan, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The firefight erupted when troops responded to reports from civilians about Communist-NPA terrorists extorting and intimidating farmers in the area. The clash lasted several minutes before the insurgents retreated, leaving behind two unidentified bodies.
Brigadier General Perfecto P. Penaredondo, Acting Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, reiterated the division's commitment to maintaining peace and order in Northern Samar. He urged the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group to lay down their arms and surrender, as they have nowhere to go. The General noted that the masses are no longer supporting the communist terrorist organization and are actively reporting their presence to the authorities, enabling troops to effectively track their movements and identify their locations.
“The government forces will never cease in the fight to completely eradicate the insurgents in the region. With the help and support of the local chief executives and the community, through the Whole-of-Nation Approach, we will be able to realize the people's aspirations for attaining socio-economic development in the region,” Brigadier General Peñaredondo emphasized.
