THE overall leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar was among six insurgents killed during a clash with government troops in the province last Monday.
The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) named him as Ariel Baselga, alias Aries and Polly, secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Also slain in the encounter was Renar Diaz, alias Beloy and Monmon, the vice commander of the operations command of the SRC Emporium.
The military named the four other slain rebels as Rey Tafalla alias Bunso; James Arandia, alias Taying; Maricar Asinas, alias Ikar; and one alias Kagid.
The 8th ID released the identities of the slain rebels on Tuesday night. The six were identified by their former comrades who had earlier surrendered to the government.
The six died in a firefight with troops from the Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Paco in Las Navas town. The fighting also led to the recovery of four firearms, a grenade, assorted ammunition, cell phones and rebel documents.
“He (Baselga) directed the operations of SRC Emporium, enforced the orders of the EVRPC, and authorized tactical offensives in Northern Samar,” said 8th spokesman Capt. Jefferson Mariano said.
Mariano said Diaz was “responsible for planning and supervising the tactical operations of the communist terrorist group units under SRC Emporium.”
The 8th ID said the group was behind numerous atrocities in Northern Samar, including the killing of innocent civilians and government troops and extortion activities.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio 8th ID commander, extended his condolences to the families of the slain NPA rebels.
“It is saddening to see fellow Filipinos deceived by the false ideologies of communist terrorists meet such a tragic end. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families,” said Orio.
“While they were our enemies, we honor their humanity by providing them with a proper and dignified burial,” added Orio.
Orio said the demise of Baselga and his men could have been avoided “if they had chosen to lay down their arms and surrender.”
