TWO of the eight New People’s Army insurgents who died in a series of clashes with government soldiers in Las Navas town in Northern Samar last Thursday have been identified as the leaders of the rebel group, the military said yesterday.
The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) said the slain rebel leaders included Richard Jumadiao, alias Joban, head of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Layson of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
The other leader was identified only as alias Berbon, the vice squad leader of the Independent Squad, Regional Guerrilla Unit.
The slain NPA rebels also included Jinky Senobia, alias Sinag, a member of Squad I, Regional Guerrilla Unit, the 8th ID said.
The five others have yet to be identified.
The 8th ID said Jumadiao, Berbon and Senobia were identified through the assistance of a former NPA rebel.
“Jumadiao and his group had been linked to multiple cases of atrocities in Northern Samar,” said 8th ID spokesman Maj. Jefferson Mariano.
“These include a series of ambuscades, extortions, and radicalization of civilians, jeopardizing government projects and initiatives to bring peace and sustainable development in the region,” added Mariano.
The 8th ID initially reported on Thursday that four rebels died and five high-powered firearms were recovered at two encounter sites in Barangay San Isidro.
The following day, it said eight rebels died and eight firearms were recovered.
In identifying Jumadiao, Berbon and Senobia yesterday, the 8th reported the recovery of two more firearms — a K3 light machine gun and an M16 rifle — bringing to 10 the total number of firearms seized.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, expressed his gratitude to the civilians who provided information about the rebel presence, preventing “further violence and loss of innocent lives.”
“Our troops acted decisively to protect the people, especially those who brought us reliable information that led to the success of this operation. The communist terrorist group’s threats to peace and security were met with firm and decisive action, because the people deserve to live a life away from the shadows of insurgency,” said Orio.
Orio reiterated the military’s appeal to the remaining rebels in Visayas to surrender.
“There is hope after conflict. As the 8th ID commander, I speak as a comrade and not as an enemy that you must fear and run from,” said Orio.
“To the remnants of the EVRPC, return to your families, choose peace over violence, and reclaim your future. I guarantee the safety of those who will choose to surrender, and the 8th ID will help them reintegrate with dignity and support,” he added.
