Philippine Army Vows to Eradicate Remaining NPA Rebels in Leyte Province

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine Army's 93rd Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, has pledged to continue the fight against insurgency in Leyte Island. Sayson has issued an ultimatum to the remaining seven members of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in the province, urging them to surrender and promising a safe return to their families. The region has seen significant progress in recent years, with the battalion's predecessor, Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot, successfully neutralizing a high-ranking NPA official in an encounter on June 18.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson has taken command of the Philippine Army's 93rd Infantry Battalion, vowing to sustain the gains in the fight against insurgency in Leyte Island.
  • Sayson has issued an ultimatum to the remaining seven members of the NPA operating in the province, urging them to surrender and promising a safe return to their families.
  • Prior to the change of command, the army unit led by Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot successfully neutralized a high-ranking NPA official, Juanito Sellesa Jr., an executive committee member of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
  • The operation resulted in the death of three NPA members, including Juanito Sellesa Jr., Eugene Paclita, and Lito Laurente.
  • The 93rd IB covers the towns and cities in the central and northern parts of Leyte province and the island province of Biliran.
  • Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio commended Lt. Col. Charlie Saclot for his significant contributions to the campaign to end the local insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
  • Lt. Gen. Orio believes that Lt. Col. Sayson is ready to lead the battalion with the same courage and compassion as his predecessor.

Statistics:

  • 7: The number of remaining NPA members under Squad 2 Platoon 1 of the Island Committee Levox.
  • 3: The number of NPA members killed during the encounter on June 18, including Juanito Sellesa Jr., Eugene Paclita, and Lito Laurente.
  • 2: The number of days between the encounter on June 18 and the change of command on Monday.
  • X: The number of years the Philippines Army has been fighting against insurgency in the Eastern Visayas region (no specific time period mentioned).

Sources:

  • (Philippines News agency), "Tacloban city - 03 Jul 2025"