TACLOBAN CITY – A notorious leader of the New People’s Army was killed in an encounter with the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division in Barangay Cawayan, Catbalogan City, Samar on Dec. 13.

The military identified the fatality as Artemio Solayao, alias Budil, leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, SRC Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Solayao has multiple warrants of arrest for the atrocities he allegedly committed against government forces, including the ambush of the 14th Infantry Battalion in 2014 in Barangay Maypadandan, Catbalogan City.
After the 15-minute firefight, the communist rebels retreated.
Troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol and subversive documents.
Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st IB, called on the remaining members of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle.
“This Christmas season, we are hoping that you will choose to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law. It is not yet too late, be with your family, the government will help you,” Lelina said.
Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, said the successful operation as a crucial step in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
“This incident could have been avoided if the CTG had surrendered and heeded the government’s call for peace,” he said.