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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Slain NPA rebel in Samar encounter identified as minor

Slain NPA rebel in Samar encounter identified as minor

Published Apr 21, 2026 02:54 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – The New People’s Army (NPA) member killed in a recent encounter with government troops in Jiabong, Samar was a minor, the military said Tuesday.
Capt. Christopher Tataro, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division (ID), disclosed this information after the family identified the body following the April 17 clash.
Tataro said the 17-year-old fatality, alias John Paul, was a native of San Jose de Buan, Samar and was reportedly been recruited into the armed movement at 13.
“He was with the Yakal Platoon during the encounter, but further verification showed that he was a member of the Regional Security Force under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee,” Tataro said.
The encounter involved troops from the 14th Infantry Battalion who were conducting operations in a hinterland barangay in Jiabong.
Following the encounter, the military renewed its call for remaining communist rebels to surrender and return to the fold of the law, assuring them of government assistance for reintegration.
Tataro also urged communities to support efforts in persuading insurgents to lay down their arms.
“The communist problem is not just a military concern but also a socio-economic issue. Communities must reject communist ideology, while the government continues to deliver basic services on the ground,” he said. (PNA)

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