TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has identified three of the five members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) who died during recent clashes with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar.

In a statement on Monday, the 8th Infantry Division announced that the remains of the slain NPA rebels were turned over to their families through direct coordination with local government units.

The three fatalities were identified as Noel Lebico Sr. of Barangay Roxas in Catubig, Arnel Aquino of Barangay Osmeña in Palapag town, Northern Samar, and Nonoy Norcio of Barangay Luneta in the municipality of Gamay, Northern Samar.

Their identities were confirmed by In-In, a former vice squad leader under the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, who surrendered to soldiers following a string of clashes in the upland areas of Catubig between June 2 and 5.

From the encounter sites, government forces recovered a cache of weapons, including two M14 rifles, two M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, an Ultimax squad automatic weapon, a submachine gun, three improvised hand grenades, assorted medical paraphernalia, and other items.

Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, commended the strong coordination between residents and government forces, which led to the successful neutralization of NPA members involved in extortion activities.

“The cooperation of the citizens clearly showed the deepening trust between the military and the communities we serve,” Orio said, as he urged remaining NPA members to take advantage of the government's National Amnesty Program.

Northern Samar is widely considered the last bastion of insurgency in the Eastern Visayas region. (PNA)