In a significant development in Samar, the Philippine Army views the death of a prominent New People’s Army (NPA) leader as a potential turning point that could lead remaining rebels to forsake their armed struggle. Artemio Solayao, known by the alias Budil, was a key figure in the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee, leading Squad 2 of the Yakal Platoon. His demise came during a clash with government forces on December 13, 2024, in the upland village of Cawayan, Catbalogan City, which lasted approximately 15 minutes. The encounter resulted in the seizure of a .45 caliber pistol and crucial intelligence documents from Solayao, who had multiple arrest warrants for his attacks on government forces, including a notable ambush on the 14th Infantry Battalion in Maypadandan, Catbalogan City, back in 2014. Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, described Solayao’s neutralization as a major setback for the NPA. Lelina expressed optimism that this event, coinciding with the Christmas season, might encourage NPA remnants to surrender and reintegrate into society, emphasizing that it’s not too late for them to reunite with their families and receive government assistance. He stressed the importance of the ongoing military operations targeting the NPA’s leadership and logistical networks, aimed at ending the insurgency and fostering lasting peace and security in the region.
