PNP Soco Team Member Dies in Northern Samar Boat Mishap
TACLOBAN CITY – A member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned to the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) team in Northern Samar tragically died after their motorboat capsized while returning from an operation. The incident occurred as they headed back following the retrieval of bodies of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in an armed clash in Las Navas town.
Executive Master Sergeant Harry Mangiga Palao-ay, 42, drowned on August 2, 2025, after completing the Soco investigation in Barangay San Isidro, where eight suspected communist rebels were killed during a military operation two days prior. The exact four word keyphrase “PNP Soco Team Member” was involved in this operation.
Palao-ay and his team were aboard a motor banca when it capsized en route to the town proper. Rescue efforts to save him unfortunately failed.
Honoring a Brave Officer’s Service
The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, led by Col. Sonnie Omengan, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Palao-ay. He was known as a seasoned and courageous officer who served in the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (NSPECU), a specialized unit handling high-risk tasks including bomb threats and post-blast investigations.
“Palao-ay died with his boots on — upholding his oath to serve and protect, even in the face of peril,” Col. Omengan stated. “His passing is a great loss not only to the Northern Samar police but to the entire Philippine National Police. We honor his bravery, professionalism, and the selfless service he rendered to the people of Northern Samar.”
Originally from La Trinidad, Benguet, Palao-ay was also remembered fondly as a devoted family man by local leaders.
Background of the Military Operation
The operation that preceded this tragic event was led by the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID). It followed a tip from a concerned civilian about armed rebels threatening local farmers in the area.
On July 31, 2025, government troops engaged members of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), resulting in the deaths of eight insurgents. Among the slain were Richard Jumadiao alias “Joban,” a known leader of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan; “Berbon,” vice squad leader of an independent squad of the Regional Guerilla Unit (RGU); and Jinky Senobio alias “Sinag,” a member of Squad 1, RGU, EVRPC.
The military recovered 10 high-powered firearms from the encounter site, including a K3 light machine gun and an M16 rifle.
Military’s Call for Peace
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8ID and Joint Task Force Storm, praised civilian informants and assured the public of ongoing military efforts against remaining insurgent groups in Eastern Visayas.
“To the remnants of the EVRPC, return to your families, choose peace over violence, and reclaim your future,” Orio urged. “The 8ID will help you reintegrate with dignity and support.”
The military is coordinating with the Las Navas municipal government to identify and return the bodies of the deceased rebels to their families.
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