Alleged NPA leader killed in clash with military in Samar

April 20, 2020

An alleged New People's Army (NPA) leader was killed in a clash with government troops in Samar province last Saturday.

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones Jr., spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division,   said the troops encountered around five reported rebels at the vicinity of Brgy. Buluan, Calbiga town around 5:15 am.

Aragones said the three-minute firefight resulted to the death of Noel Galvez alias Bani, an NPA leader operating in the southern part of Samar province.

"The gunfight was the result of the timely report of some concerned civilians pertaining the presence of the CNTs (communist terrorist) led by Galvez harassing the populace," he said.

Aragones said government forces recovered one M14 rifle loaded with ammunition and one improvised explosive device weighing an estimated seven kilograms.

Colonel Camilo Ligayo, commander of 801st Infantry Brigade,  said ''the neutralization of Noel Galvez alias Bani will bring a strong and clear message to the rebels that the government is serious in ending local communist armed conflict in Eastern Visayas ".

"We will pursue these terrorists with the help of the community until they run out of ground to retreat ", Ligayo added.

Aragones said Lt. Colonel Rhomel Langcauon, commanding officer of 46th IB. lauded his troops and thanked the community for the timely information provided to the security forces. Robina Asido/DMS