In a significant development, eight alleged members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate clashes in Northern Samar on Thursday. These confrontations came shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared the end of the Maoist armed insurgency, remarks that the communist party said have “virtually ended” hopes for peace talks.
The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division launched decisive strikes against the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee headquarters, located deep in Barangay San Isidro in Las Navas town. The troops carried out the operations early Thursday morning, targeting a heavily fortified rebel hideout.
Military Strikes Against NPA Hideouts
According to military sources, the raid began around 2:30 a.m. and quickly escalated into an intense firefight. The clash led to the deaths of seven alleged NPA fighters and the recovery of several high-powered firearms, including five M16 rifles and an R4 rifle equipped with an M203 grenade launcher.
Later in the morning, at 10:00 a.m., another encounter occurred, ending in a 30-minute gunfight that resulted in the death of one more alleged NPA member. The troops also seized an additional R4 rifle in this second confrontation.
Calls for Surrender and No Formal Truce
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, urged remaining NPA fighters in Northern Samar to surrender. “This may be your best chance to lay down your arms, abandon the armed struggle, and return to the fold of the law,” Orio said in a public statement.
Despite talks about peace negotiations, there is no official truce between the military and the NPA. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), confirmed the clashes but said it is still gathering full details from its regional units.
President Marcos’ Bold Declaration
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Marcos Jr. boldly declared, “there are no more guerrilla groups” in the country. This statement has stirred controversy, as the communist movement is still active and continues its insurgency.
Marco Valbuena, CPP’s chief information officer, responded sharply, warning that Marcos’ grand claim could backfire. He added that such remarks effectively end any prospects for peace negotiations with the NDFP.
The Longest Maoist Insurgency
Founded on March 29, 1969, the NPA has waged the world’s longest Maoist insurgency. At its peak during the 1980s, the group reportedly had around 25,000 members, according to military estimates. Although significantly weakened, the NPA still poses a threat in various regions of the Philippines.
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