THE 8TH Infantry ‘Stormtroopers’ Division of the Philippine Army inflicted horrendous loses against the remnants of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) still operating in the provinces of Samar Island.
Assessing the Division’s over a month-long ‘FMOs’ (focus military operations) starting from the end of July, spokesman Major Oscarito Tobias, in a statement last August 28, said 14 NPA terrorists were eliminated, and 15 assorted firearms seized by their operating teams, especially in Northern Samar.
On the other hand, 4 other NPA fighters decided to give up and surrender, Tobias added.
Tobias said the clashes started after they uncovered the regional headquarters of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, Communist Party of the Philippines (EVRPC-CPP), in Bgy. San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar last July 31.
The resulting firefight resulted to the killing of 8 NPA fighters, 4 of them the top CPP-NPA leaders in the region, the surrender of another NPA fighter and recovery of 10 high-powered rifles.
Based on the statement of a former NPA, those immediately killed include Richard ‘Joban’ Jumadiao head, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan, EVRPC; alias Berbon, Vice Squad Leader, Independent Squad, Regional Guerilla Unit (RGU); and, Jinky Senobio alias Sinag, member of Squad 1, RGU, EVRPC.
Further Army efforts resulted to the identification of Edgar Baselga alias Ali, Squad Leader, Squad 1; Marciano Pecayo alias Lakay; alias Desoy; and alias Rico.
Tobias also bared that as a result of the FMOs, three more NPAs decided to the authorities last August 24.
Three days later, however, on August 27, elements from the 78TH Infantry Battalion clashed with the remnants of SRGU Laysan and SRC Artic in the upland area of Bgy. San Jose Mapanas.
The firefight resulted to the death of two more NPAs and the recovery of 2 M16 rifles and other war materiel, Tobias said.
The fatalities were identified as Motaw Ortazo, alias “Ibaro” of Bgy. Magsaysay, Mapanas, and Edwin Verano, alias “Sammy,” from Bgy. Senonogan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.
In keeping with the division’s tradition of upholding human rights and human dignity, 8TH ID commander, MGen. Adonis Ariel Orio ordered the decent burial of the deceased.
“Even as we pursue justice for the countless victims of the insurgents’ atrocities, we remain steadfast in upholding human dignity.
“By facilitating a proper burial, we hope this also serves as a message to their comrades that there is still a chance to return to their families, abandon the armed struggle, and live peacefully,” the official said.
Orio also visited the soldiers of his command last August 4 who were wounded during the firefight in Las Navas to pay honor for their gallantry and pinned on each of them the ‘Wounded Personnel Medal.’
The division also paid tribute to Corporal Arcel B. Sicnoy, who was killed during the operation.
“Your courage and sacrifice exemplified the highest ideals of a Filipino soldier, and of a Stormtrooper. The 8ID’s victory is yours as well.
“As your Commander, I honor you not as mere soldiers, but as patriots whose selfless commitment to service strengthened our pursuit of lasting peace in Eastern Visayas,” said MGen. Orio in his address to the soldiers.
He also assured the wounded troops, and their families, including those of Cpl. Sicnoy’s of the 8ID’s full financial support.
Orio also thanked the local communities in Samar for their cooperation with the government to bring back lasting peace and security in the region.