Army clashes with NPA in Samar, 1 rebel killed, 2 captured

A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed and two others were captured during a series of armed encounters with Philippine Army soldiers in Paranas, Samar.

The clashes occurred on Saturday, September 13, 2025, when soldiers from the 46th Infantry Battalion were conducting security operations in Barangay Concepcion.

Troops were fired upon by remnants of the NPA's Special Operations Group (SOG), Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Following the initial firefight, the rebels withdrew eastward and were engaged by pursuing troops in two more encounters.

The deceased rebel was identified as Gerry dela Cruz, alias "Justin," while the captured individuals were "Aye," a political guide, and "Tintin," a member of the Regional Security Force.

Soldiers recovered three M16 rifles, two .45-caliber pistols, backpacks, bandoliers, and subversive documents from the encounter site.

The commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commended the soldiers and stated that the operations are weakening the communist movement's armed capability in Samar.