High-ranking NPA leader slain in E. Samar clash

A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Eastern Visayas was killed in an encounter on Saturday with Philippine Army troops in Eastern Samar.

The military identified the slain communist official as Martin Colima alias Moki, reportedly a member of  the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division were conducting operations in the hinterlands of Barangay San Gabriel, Borongan City, Eastern Samar when it came into contact with an undetermined number of armed insurgents, resulting in a brief firefight. 

The retreating NPA rebels left behind Colima. Soldiers recovered a .45 caliber pistol, seven backpacks and several documents.

One soldier was wounded and was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Lt. Col. Allan Tria, commanding officer of 78IB, said Colima and his group were responsible for the death of six soldiers and the wounding of 20 others from the 14th Infantry Battalion in an armed encounter in Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City last November 11, 2019.

Tria added Colima has multiple cases that include murder, attempted murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

According to the Army, Colima was the mastermind of an ambush along the National Highway at Barangay Libuton, Borongan City, Eastern Samar last December 13, 2019 that killed a policeman and three civilians, and wounding at least 12 civilians including a minor and one-year-old baby.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, head of the 8th ID, extended his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the slain NPA leader.

"It is tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipinos, it is sad that another Filipino who was deceived by the misleading ideology of the communist terrorist died. On the other hand, I encouraged the remaining members of the rebel group to surrender and be with their families while you still have a chance," Ligayo said.—RF, GMA Integrated News