CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — Philippine Army soldiers discovered the decomposing body of an alleged high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) following an armed encounter in Hinabangan, Samar, on March 14, 2026, military officials announced Sunday.

The remains were found by troops of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion during pursuit operations in the area between Barangay Cabalagnan and Barangay Tabay in Hinabangan town, according to a press statement from the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division.

The deceased was identified as Lupito Bucatcat, alias “Hunio,” who served as Secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the Communist New People’s Army, the military said.

Identification Through Personal Belongings

Initial identification of the remains was made by former NPA members based on personal belongings recovered at the encounter site, according to Captain Christopher B. Tataro, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 8th Infantry Division.

The military described the discovery as part of ongoing operations against what they term the “Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group” (CTG), following established government policy to classify the NPA as a terrorist organization.

Bucatcat had a pending warrant of arrest for multiple murder charges along with two other individuals at Branch 30 of the Regional Trial Court in Basey, Samar, the military statement indicated.

Legal Procedures and Documentation

The remains have been turned over to the Hinabangan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, forensic examination, and disposition in accordance with established legal procedures, military officials confirmed.

This development follows standard protocol for handling discovered remains during military operations, ensuring proper identification and legal documentation of the deceased.

The 8th Infantry Division, headquartered at Camp General Vicente R. Lukban in Catbalogan City, oversees military operations across Eastern Visayas, including counter-insurgency efforts against remaining NPA units in the region.

Ongoing Military Operations

The armed encounter that led to the discovery occurred during focused military operations targeting remnants of the SRC Sesame, one of the remaining NPA units operating in Samar province.

According to the military report, the clash involved two remaining members of the Communist group, though it was not immediately clear if additional casualties occurred during the engagement.

Government troops continue conducting pursuit operations to track down fleeing members of the armed group and prevent further threats to nearby communities, the 8th Infantry Division stated.

The military commended the troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion for their “decisive response and sustained focused military operations” in the area.

Impact on Local Communities

The military operation and subsequent discovery occurred in a rural area of Hinabangan municipality, a town located in the northern portion of Samar island.

Local government officials have not yet issued public statements regarding the incident, though the discovery represents a significant development in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region.

The presence of NPA units in remote areas of Samar has long affected local communities, with residents often caught between military operations and insurgent activities.

For residents of Negros Oriental and other Visayan provinces, developments in Samar’s security situation remain relevant due to the regional nature of the communist insurgency and military operations across the Eastern Visayas region.

Call for Surrender and Reintegration

The 8th Infantry Division used the announcement to call on remaining members of the SRC Sesame to lay down their weapons and abandon armed struggle.

Military officials urged surviving NPA members to avail themselves of government reintegration programs designed to help former insurgents return to civilian life.

These programs typically include livelihood assistance, education support, and legal aid for qualified former rebels who voluntarily surrender to government forces.

The military also reiterated its commitment to protecting communities and urged the public to continue supporting peace and security efforts by reporting suspicious activities in their respective areas.

Regional Security Context

The discovery comes amid ongoing government efforts to end the decades-long communist insurgency in the Philippines, particularly in rural areas of Eastern Visayas where NPA units continue to operate.

Samar island has historically been one of the strongholds of the communist movement, with difficult terrain providing cover for insurgent operations.

The SRC Sesame represents one of several remaining NPA units in the region, significantly reduced from peak strength in previous decades but still capable of armed resistance against government forces.

Military officials have consistently reported progress in counter-insurgency operations, citing surrenders and neutralizations of key leaders as evidence of the movement’s declining strength.

Looking Ahead

The death of Bucatcat, if confirmed through forensic examination, would represent another significant blow to NPA operations in Samar province.

Military operations are expected to continue as troops pursue remaining members of the armed group who fled the March 14 encounter.

Local officials and residents await further developments as legal procedures proceed and military operations continue in the affected areas.

The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing rural communities in Eastern Visayas and the continued commitment of government forces to address the insurgency threat.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army