Suspected NPA Member Killed in Eastern Samar Encounter
TACLOBAN CITY — A suspected member of the New People’s Army was killed today, Sunday, June 15, during a military encounter in the remote Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The suspected rebel was identified as Joemar Discar, also known by the aliases Guimo and Bobby.
The encounter happened amid focused military operations by the 63rd Infantry “Innovator” Battalion. These operations were launched in response to reports from concerned residents about armed individuals demanding food in the area. Soldiers engaged members of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Military Seizes Weapons and Documents
Discar’s comrades fled, leaving his body behind. Troops seized several war materials, including one M653 rifle, five short magazines, a bandolier, three backpacks, and subversive documents. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of government forces to dismantle armed groups in the region.
Brig. Gen. Noel A. Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, urged remaining members of the SRC Sesame to surrender. “We were serious when we issued the ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle and we are just getting started. Expect us to be relentless in our combat operations in the following days,” he said.
“Hahalughugin namin ang kagubatan sa Eastern Samar para tugisin kayo. Enough is enough. The people in our community have suffered long from your abuse and deception. Kaya ngayon palang sumuko na kayo habang may oras pa,” Vestuir added.
Community Support Strengthens Military Efforts
Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, described the operation as a direct result of intensified community collaboration. “The people are no longer silent about the CTG’s extortions and we in the Philippine Army are actively listening and taking action,” Orio noted.
This development marks a significant step in the military’s campaign to restore peace and order in Eastern Samar. The active cooperation of local residents has proven crucial in identifying and addressing the threats posed by armed groups.
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