The New People’s Army (NPA)-Leyte Island (Mt. Amandewin Command) launched a counter-ambush and harassment operation against the fascist troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion operating in Baybay City, Leyte last September 8 and 10. In two consecutive tactical offensives, at least four fascist soldiers were killed while others were wounded.

The NPA launched the counter-ambush against soldiers in Barangay Caridad on September 9. According to NPA-Leyte spokesperson Dodong Malaya, the unit first initiated fire against roaming troops of the 93rd IB at around 4:40 in the afternoon. One soldier was confirmed killed in the firefight.

Erwin Maceda (Ka Romnik) was martyred in the said firefight. “Ka Romnik wholeheartedly embraced the challenges of being deployed to Leyte, and in advancing the revolutionary armed struggle in the area. We are extremely proud of him and we thank him for his heroic and selfless service to the revolution and to the oppressed masses. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Malaya in a statement.

Malaya also belied the 93rd IB’s claim that an M16 rifle was confiscated from Maceda. He also refuted the 93rd IB’s lies that it conducted the operation based on “tips or information” from local residents.

Instead, Malaya argues that the military troops were part of a wider focused and sustained military operations (FSMO) that has deployed hundreds of soldiers since May. The operation covers barangays in Baybay City, Ormoc City, Barauen, which were declared under the category of “stable internal peace and security” or SIPS, as well as in the municipalities of Albuera, Carigara and Jaro.

On September 10, the NPA launched a harassment operation against the same 93rd IB unit in Barangay Caridad. Red fighters neared and fired from as close as 10 meters, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers. Malaya said the action was retaliation against the 93rd IB’s failed pursuit operation following the counter-ambush on September 8.

“The NPA will continue to strive on the island of Leyte along the path of people’s war, in the name of Ka Romnik and all martyrs of the Philippine revolution, and in the name of the broad masses who continue to suffer under the rotten system,” said Malaya.