In a significant blow to insurgency efforts, the Philippine Army has successfully dismantled two New People’s Army (NPA) platoons, known as ‘Bugsok’ and ‘Apoy’, operating in Samar and Eastern Samar. This development marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict in the region, as announced by Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.
The dismantling of these platoons, which were part of the sub-regional committee Sesame under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, was officially recognized through Resolution No. 13, signed on December 11, 2024, by the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center.
Vestuir highlighted that the Apoy platoon initially had 44 members, while the Bugsok platoon had 23, during the relocation of the 802nd Brigade to Borongan City in mid-2023. Through a combination of combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, the Army managed to neutralize 47 NPA fighters and seize 87 firearms and 54 anti-personnel mines by the end of 2024.
The remaining 16 members of the NPA in the area are now leaderless, with their former secretary having surrendered due to the harsh conditions and lack of community support. Realyn Basada, a former NPA secretary, cited the absence of provisions from previously supportive farmers as a reason for her escape in November 2024, following the military’s retooled community support program.
The military and police’s joint evaluation board recommended the dismantling of the SRC Sesame on December 23, 2024, and are awaiting final approval from the NJPSCC. The Army remains committed to pursuing the remaining NPA members to achieve total peace in the southern part of Samar Island, where the NPA has been active since the 1970s.
Vestuir praised the troops for their dedication and bravery in this successful operation, which he believes will lead to lasting peace in the region.