Eight NPA suspects killed in clashes with troops in Northern Samar

Eight suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in armed encounters with government troops early Thursday morning in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Based on information provided by a concerned civilian about extortion and threats against farmers, soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry 'Stormtroopers' Division launched an assault at 2:30 a.m. on a supposed NPA hideout surrounded by anti-personnel mines, leading to additional fire support being called in.

The first clash resulted in seven suspected rebels being killed and five M16 rifles, one R4 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, and another R4 rifle seized.

Around 10:00 a.m., reinforcing troops of the Army's 803rd Infantry Brigade encountered more fleeing suspected rebels west of the first site, resulting in another clash where one suspect was killed.

The military emphasized its commitment to eliminating NPA presence and urged remaining members to abandon their armed struggle and return to civilian life.