The Philippine Army has identified three of the eight rebels who were killed in a recent back-to-back gunfight with government forces in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
Major Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar, said the slain rebels were identified through the revelation of a former rebel member.
“The personalities were identified as Richard Jumadiao alias Joban, Communist-Leader, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan, of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); alias Berbon, Vice Squad Leader, Independent Squad, Regional Guerilla Unit (RGU); and Jinky Senobio alias Sinag, member of Squad 1, RGU, EVRPC,” Mariano said in a statement to the media.
“Jumadiao and his group had been linked to multiple cases of atrocities in Northern Samar. 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,” he added.
A concerned citizen was able to tip off military personnel that an armed group was allegedly extorting and threatening farmers at the said location, which led to the launching of the operation.
Army personnel also recovered 10 firearms, including a K3 light machine gun (LMG), during the two back-to-back gun battles on July 31, 2025.
“Our troops acted decisively to protect the people, especially those who brought us reliable information that led to the success of this operation,” Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, said.
He also appealed to the remaining members of the armed movement to “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 8ID will help them reintegrate with dignity and support,” Orio said.
The Eastern Visayas region, particularly Samar Island, which continues to be affected by poverty, has long been a hotbed of insurgency in the Philippines.
The communist rebel group, which has waged a Maoist-inspired guerrilla warfare since the late 1960s, maintains its presence in the region.
