NPA killed in fresh Northern Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2023): NPA killed in fresh Northern Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

DEATH IN CLASH. The rebel killed during an encounter with government troopers in Catubig, Northern Samar, Thursday (Sept. 14, 2023). There are about 10 army battalions assigned in Samar province as the government heightened its fight against communist insurgents. (Photo courtesy of Nicelle Mupas-Lucapa)

TACLOBAN CITY - A member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with soldiers on the outskirts of Catubig, Northern Samar, Thursday.

The unidentified armed rebel belonged to a band of 10 insurgents that engaged in a 10-minute gun battle with members of the Philippine Army's 20th Infantry Battalion in upland Anongo village in Catubig town.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, Army's 20th IB commander, said soldiers were deployed to carry out the mobile community support and sustainment program operations in the village when they encountered remnants of the Front Committee-15, sub-regional committee, Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

"They were known for their involvement in intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities," Buban said in a statement.

After the brief clash, the rebels retreated, leaving behind their slain comrade and war materiels, including four backpacks, two hammocks, one 30-round magazine assembly, an M203 empty shell, ammunition, slippers, a cauldron, a water container, a pair of rainboots, and subversive documents.

There are about 10 army battalions assigned in Samar province as the government heightened its fight against communist insurgents.

Only two NPA guerilla fronts in Samar Island remain in existence after the dismantling of one front and the weakening of another early this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209867

Army seeks arrest of 7 NPA leaders in Panay, Negros before polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2023): Army seeks arrest of 7 NPA leaders in Panay, Negros before polls (By Perla Lena)

WANTED. The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) asks for any information leading to the arrest of top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the Panay and Negros islands. Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), in an interview on Thursday (Sept. 14, 2023) said they remain a threat to the Oct. 30 polls because they can still provide direction to their people while on the loose. (PNA photo courtesy of 3rd DPAO)

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) targets to arrest seven top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay and Negros islands before the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls to ensure peace during the voting exercise.

In an interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said while on the loose, the rebel leaders will be a threat to the election because they can still provide direction to their group,

“If we capture them, there could be a leadership breakdown. If there is no leader, their people could not move due to lack of direction,” said.

He added they are trying to dismantle all remaining guerrilla fronts by Sept. 30, but President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has given them until the end of this year to end insurgency so they can already focus on territorial defense.

“We are given the timeline to end the local armed conflict. Their capture would help end the insurgency problem in Panay and Negros,” Javines said.

The Army official also asked for the public's help with any information leading to the arrest of the seven CPP-NPA leaders whose heads carry a total bounty of PHP11.25 million.

In a statement, the Philippine Army identified the wanted top rebels as Ma. Concepcion Bocala, alias Concha, 1st deputy secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-Panay); Roberto Cabales, alias Ted/Lloyd/William, secretary, Central Front, KR-Panay; Roberto Gomia, alias Toto/Miller, 1st deputy secretary, Southern Front, KR-Panay; Severino Geonago alias Berin/Dario/Tisoy, political guide, Team 2, Squad 1, SYP Platoon of KR-Panay; Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong, commanding officer, SYP Platoon, Southern Front , KR-Panay; Arlo Vargas, alias Allen, Squad Leader, Squad 1, Regional Striking Force, KR-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (NCBS); and Magno Flores alias Edgar, 1st deputy secretary, CN2-W, KR-NCBS.

Bocala, being the highest-ranking leader, has a warrant of arrest for rebellion with a bounty of PHP5.3 million; Cabales, PHP3.1 million; Gomia, PHP1.05 million; PHP500,000 each for Vargas, Geonago, and Flores; and PHP150,000 for Camariosa.

Javines said the top leaders are not hiding, but with the armed group in the mountains.

“With the bounty, maybe they would be willing to provide us information leading to their arrest,” he added.

The public may report any information to the nearest police or military stations or contact the Division Public Affairs (DPAO) at 3ID Hotline – 0927-623-9321 or message the Division’s Facebook Page – Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209900