Two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with Philippine Army troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar, early on October 28, 2026, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said in a press release dated October 30.
The division said troops recovered two unidentified bodies, identified as members of what the government calls the "Communist Terrorist Group" — its official term for the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA. Two high-powered firearms were also seized. The 8ID reported no casualties among government forces.
Residents' Tip Prompted the Operation
According to the 8ID, the military operation was launched after local residents reported the presence of heavily armed rebels in the area. The division said the rebels were allegedly planning to extort money from nearby farming communities.
The Army's 52nd Infantry Battalion said its troops subsequently moved into the village's hinterlands to engage the reported rebel group, Inquirer Visayas reported on October 29, citing the battalion.
Landmine Perimeter Forced Use of Air and Artillery Support
According to the 8ID, troops advancing toward the rebel encampment encountered a defensive perimeter described as "rigged with numerous anti-personnel landmines." The use of anti-personnel mines is prohibited under international humanitarian law.
The division said the command authorized close air support to neutralize the explosive hazards from a safe distance and clear a path for ground forces. Artillery fire was also directed at the core of the encampment to suppress what the 8ID described as fortified bunkers and to counter enemy fire.
"The calculated employment of our air and artillery assets was a necessary and decisive tactical response. We utilized our superior fire capabilities strictly to breach those explosive traps, soften their fortified positions, and protect our personnel from becoming casualties."
— 8th Infantry Division commander, in the October 30 press release (name not provided)
Lt. Col. Sandy Sereño, commanding officer of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, said the supporting fire was intended to break through the rebels' defenses while minimizing risk to troops and civilians, according to Inquirer Visayas.
Military's Account Unverified; NPA Silent
The military's account of the encounter has not been independently verified. As of press time on October 30, neither the NPA nor the Communist Party of the Philippines had issued a public statement on the clash.
Civil-Military Dialogue with Residents Held
The 8ID said it is coordinating with local government units and its Civil-Military Operations teams to maintain public safety and support communities near the area of operations. Inquirer Visayas reported that the 52nd Infantry Battalion's Civil-Military Operations team conducted a dialogue with residents to explain the operation and receive their concerns.
Pursuit Operations Continue; Rebels Urged to Surrender
The 8ID said pursuit operations against remaining rebels in the area are ongoing. The division also renewed its call for NPA members to surrender under the government's reintegration programs for former rebels.
Barangay Jicontol and Dolores's History of Armed Clashes
Barangay Jicontol is one of 46 barangays in the municipality of Dolores and had a population of 1,391 in the 2020 census. The municipality has a documented history of major armed encounters. In August 2021, a 13-hour military offensive — which also included an airstrike — killed at least 18 suspected NPA members in neighboring Barangay Osmeña, also in Dolores.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army / 8th Infantry Division