TACLOBAN CITY – Four New People's Army rebels were killed in a clash with the Army in the hinterlands of Barangay Mabini, Catarman, Northern Samar, on Sunday, May 28.
The 15-minute gun battle occurred between the remnants of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and troops from the 43rd Infantry "We Search" Battalion.
The operation was launched in response to information given by a tipster that a group of armed men was conducting extortion activities in the outskirt community of the barangay.
Reports disclosed that more or less seven armed rebels led by Mario Sevillano, alias ‘’Durok,’’ perpetrated numerous atrocities in the areas of Northern Samar. Sevillano is a notorious NPA leader.
Recovered in the encounter were two M16 rifles, two caliber .45 pistols, magazines with ammunition, and personal belongings.
Traces of blood were seen in the encounter site that indicates that some NPA rebels were wounded.
Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, 8th Infantry Division commander, extended his deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the fatalities.
"It is tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino people. Had they heeded our call, this tragedy will not happen to them, and their families will not mourn their loss. It is really sad to see parents claiming the bodies of their sons and daughters," he lamented.
Ligayo called on the remaining members of the EVRPC to lay down their arms and avail of government programs that would enable them to start a new and normal life with their families.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the fatalities.