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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider NPA leader killed in Samar clash

NPA leader killed in Samar clash

Published Feb 27, 2026 02:29 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – A New People’s Army leader was killed in an encounter with soldiers on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Barangay Cabalagnan, Hinabangan, Samar.
The fatality was identified as Basil, also known as Homer and Bitoy, former secretary of FC South Samar 1 (SS1) of the
Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The 63rd Infantry Battalion launched an operation after residents reported that communist rebels illegally occupied farmlands and extorted from them.
Bitoy was wanted for murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder cases filed before the Basey, Samar Regional Trial Court Branch 30.
Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, magazine, ammunition, and other war materiel.
Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander, ordered pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.
“We have received various reports from the community regarding the presence of these armed CTG members who continue to sow fear among residents. They have been conducting extortion activities against small farmers to sustain themselves in the mountains. We will not allow these kinds of activities to persist,” Almagro said.
The gun battle lasted five minutes before the NPA fled.

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NPA Hinabangan Samar
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