Government troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division neutralized a rebel leader in an encounter in Barangay Cawayan, Catbalogan City, Samar last Friday.
The clash lasted for 15 minutes before the red forces retreated northwest, leaving behind their fallen comrade. The government troops also recovered a .45 caliber pistol and subversive documents.
The killed rebel leader was identified as Artemio Solayao alias Budil, the leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, SRC Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
“Budil” has existing multiple warrants of arrest for the atrocities he committed against the government forces including the ambush of the 14th Infantry Battalion back in 2014 in Maypadandan, Catbalogan City. Rex Espiritu
Brigadier General Lenart R. Lelina, the Brigade Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, call on the remaining members of the NPA to abandon the violent path.
