Army Operations in Samar Intensify, Disrupt CTG Units, Uncover Weapons Cache

Posted on Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:55 am

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has stepped up its efforts against the Communist Terrorist Group in Samar, resulting in the death of a rebel, the recovery of a high-powered firearm, and the discovery of multiple hidden weapons in a series of coordinated encounters.

Military officials stated that these recent developments indicate ongoing pressure on insurgent forces in Eastern Visayas through intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling remaining guerrilla units.

In a series of clashes, the first occurred on April 16, 2026, when troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion engaged members of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit under the Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee in the mountainous area of Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.

A subsequent encounter took place on April 17 in Barangay Salvacion, Jiabong, Samar, where soldiers from the 46th Infantry Battalion (46IB) clashed with members of the Yakal Platoon of the same regional command. Following the firefight, an M4 Bushmaster rifle and the body of a rebel known as alias “John Paul” were recovered.

Reports indicated that the rebel was left behind by his comrades during their retreat, signaling a weakening of cohesion within the insurgent ranks. The deceased rebel was taken to a funeral home in Catbalogan City for proper processing pending identification and notification of family members.

On the same day, troops from the 63rd Infantry Battalion (63IB) uncovered a hidden arms cache in Barangay San Isidro, Sta. Rita, Samar, containing two .357 caliber pistols, three .38 caliber revolvers, and two .22 caliber firearms.

Lt. Col. Ricky James L. Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 63IB, highlighted the significance of the weapons recovery in indicating the weakening of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame. He also mentioned the recent elimination of key figures known as “Hunyo” and “Homer” as a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities.

The 8th Infantry Division emphasized the success of its intelligence-driven campaign in reducing the operational strength and support base of the CTG in Samar through recent encounters. They acknowledged the growing cooperation from local communities, which has bolstered the effectiveness of military operations.

The Army reiterated its appeal to remaining CTG members to abandon armed conflict and take advantage of government reintegration programs to facilitate their transition back to civilian life.

As military operations persist, the 8th Infantry Division pledged to maintain pressure on the CTG while concurrently pursuing peace-building efforts to foster long-term stability and development in Eastern Visayas.