High-ranking NPA leader killed in Eastern Samar clash — military

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 7) — A high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Eastern Visayas was killed in combat against Philippine Army troops on Saturday, the military said.

According to the Army, the slain NPA leader was identified as Martin Colima, alias “Moki,” who was allegedly a member of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The military said soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division conducted operations in the hinterlands of Barangay San Gabriel, Borongan City, Eastern Samar when they encountered “an undetermined number” of armed insurgents.

The retreating NPA rebels left behind Colima’s remains. Soldiers recovered a .45 caliber pistol, seven backpacks, and several documents from the clash. One soldier was wounded in the encounter.

Lt. Col. Allan Tria, commanding officer of 78IB, said Colima and his group were responsible for the death of six soldiers and the injuries of 20 others from the 14th Infantry Battalion during a clash in Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City in 2019.

Tria said Colima was also facing multiple cases, including murder, attempted murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

The Army also said Colima was the mastermind of an ambush along National Highway in Eastern Samar in 2019. A policeman and three civilians were killed in the incident. At least 12 civilians, including a minor and a one-year-old baby, were injured.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, 8th ID chief, extended his condolences to the families and friends of the slain NPA leader.

«It is tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipinos. It is sad that another Filipino, who was deceived by the misleading ideology of the communist terrorist, died,” Ligayo said.

The general also encouraged remaining members of the rebel group to surrender and “be with their families while they still have a chance.”