In a significant crackdown on insurgency, law enforcement in Northern Samar arrested two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and facilitated the surrender of another. The operations, which took place over the weekend and into Monday, underscore the ongoing efforts to dismantle the NPA’s presence in the region.
On Monday, authorities arrested a 29-year-old farmer known as alias ‘Ever’ in Barangay Libertad, Gamay town. A regular NPA member from Lapinig, Northern Samar, Ever was wanted for frustrated murder. The same day, a 20-year-old NPA member, alias ‘Gimoy’ from Pambujan town, voluntarily surrendered to the police.
The previous day, Sunday, saw the capture of alias ‘Otik,’ a 50-year-old farmer and NPA member from Pambujan, in Barangay Cababto-an. Otik faces charges of multiple murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
These arrests were executed by a collaborative effort involving the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Police Provincial Intelligence Unit, the 801st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and local police stations. The apprehended NPA members are currently detained by the Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad, PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director, emphasized the importance of these operations, stating, ‘The successful arrests and voluntary surrender in Northern Samar highlight our steadfast commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. Our relentless pursuit of justice, along with our strong partnerships with local communities and agencies, are crucial in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public safety.’
These actions are anticipated to significantly undermine the NPA’s armed struggle in Northern Samar, a province known as the last stronghold of insurgency in the Philippines.