Samar: A rebel was killed and several firearms were recovered after a series of armed encounters with members of the New People's Army (NPA) across Samar Island this week, the Philippine Army reported on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Friday, the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged NPA members belonging to the Yakal platoon of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Salvacion in Jiabong. Government troops later found the body of alias 'John Paul,' reportedly a member of the regional security force of the EVRPC, who was left behind by retreating comrades. The remains were brought to a funeral home in Catbalogan City while awaiting identification and proper disposition by the family. Troopers also recovered one M4 Bushmaster rifle at the clash site.

Also on the same day, the 63rd IB uncovered a cache of firearms in Barangay San Isidro, Sta. Rita. The recovered weapons included two caliber .357 pistols, three caliber .38 revolvers, and two caliber .22 firearms.

On 16 April, troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion IB clashed with members of squad 1s Sub-regional guerrilla unit under the sub-regional committee emporium of the EVRPC in the hinterlands of Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar.

The Army said in a statement that these encounters underscore the declining capability of the communist terrorist group forces, which are increasingly being weakened, isolated, and forced to abandon both personnel and resources amid intensified, intelligence-driven military operations. It noted a continuing erosion of support from communities previously influenced by the group. The military reiterated the government's resolve to protect its citizens and uphold national security, warning that continued armed resistance would only lead to further loss of lives and hardships for communist members and their families.