TACLOBAN CITY — Troops from the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, Philippine Army, seized firearms and ammunition in an armed encounter with remnants of Island Committee LEVOX of the New People’s Army (NPA) at the hinterlands of Barangay Caraye, Javier, Leyte, on Wednesday (October 15).
The troops recovered an improvised Garand rifle, five empty 5.56mm shells, four 7.62mm rounds, 45 live 5.56mm rounds, two backpacks, an analog cellphone, a solar panel, and various personal belongings.
The armed encounter ensued while they were responding to reports of food extortion from the civilians. The patrolling government troops chanced upon the NPA sub-group and positively identified Fermin Gozon alias “Jaguar” arriving with a long firearm which resulted in a ten-minute firefight. As a result, the NPA members scampered off in different directions, leaving some important equipment and their personal belongings.
Colonel Rico Amaro, Acting Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army, assured that the military will continue to conduct combat operations to prevent the CTG from extorting local communities. He also urged residents to report any sightings or activities of the group to the authorities. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail OCTOBER 13-19, 2025 issue)
