Jazmin Bonifacio CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR — Three suspected Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were neutralized, and two high-powered firearms were seized after troops from the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion under the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division clashed with remnants of the Island Committee (IC) Levox of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Pange, Jaro, Leyte early this morning, November 17, 2025.
Initial reports indicate that the encounter occurred during a focused military operation in response to ongoing complaints from residents regarding armed individuals coercing, harassing, and intimidating communities in the area.
Upon approaching the reported location, the armed group opened fire, leading the troops to engage and neutralize the threat.
Security forces are currently clearing the area, with pursuit operations ongoing to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as the situation unfolds.
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