Two NPA Rebels Killed in Clash with Army in Las Navas

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – Two members of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a firefight with government troops after local farmers reported alleged extortion and harassment in an upland village here, the military said.

Troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army encountered the armed rebels in the early morning of December 19, 2025, in the hinterlands of Barangay Bulao, Las Navas town.

According to Army Capt. Doonie Rey Diola, acting chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 8ID based in Catbalogan City, the encounter was the result of desperate farmers coming forward to report continued harassment and extortion by armed men.

Diola said soldiers conducted focused military operations to verify the reports when they were suddenly fired upon by the armed group, believed to be members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) ARCTIC under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

“Our troops were left with no choice but to defend themselves,” Diola explained. “A brief but intense firefight followed.”

After the clash, two NPA members were found dead at the scene. Soldiers also recovered three high-powered M16 rifles.

The 8th Infantry Division emphasized that the success of the operation was largely due to civilian cooperation.

The military added that its main mission is to protect farmers and their livelihood, noting that peace and security are essential for agricultural communities to survive.

Following the incident, government forces remain on heightened alert in Barangay Bulao and nearby areas to prevent any regrouping of armed rebels.

Diola said they will continue security operations to ensure that farmers can safely keep the harvest they worked for, free from threats and coercion.

(Photo courtesy: 8ID Public Affairs Office)