San Jose de Buan, Samar Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde strongly condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) following an encounter on December 3 that left two soldiers dead in Barangay Babaclayon.

In her official statement, Mayor Elizalde said, “Mariin naming kinokondena ang NPA… Itong ginawa nila ay malinaw na paglabag sa International Humanitarian Law.”

She emphasized that the rebels must be held accountable, saying they should “managot at sagutin ang nararapat na hustisya para sa krimeng kanilang ginawa laban sa mga residente.”

According to initial reports, troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion clashed with members of the NPA’s Yakal Platoon under the Sub-Regional Committee Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. The two wounded soldiers were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

Hot pursuit operations are ongoing.

Mayor Elizalde also urged remaining NPA members in Samar to surrender peacefully. “Huwag na kayong magpatuloy sa inyong pakikibaka…Pumarito kayo at magbalik-loob. Nandito ang gobyerno na tutulong sa inyo,” she said, assuring that the government and security forces will support their reintegration.

The Philippine Army has likewise expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its personnel and extended condolences to the families, stressing that the soldiers’ sacrifice for the nation “cannot be measured.”