Communities in Northern Samar are slowly rebuilding after years of insurgency, while government troops continue to recover abandoned weapons and supplies left behind by the New People’s Army (NPA).
In Barangay McKinley, Catarman, residents joined together in a pintakasi-style effort to construct a concrete pathway that will make it easier for farmers to bring their harvests to the town center. Catarman was declared insurgency-free in October 2025, opening the way for peace and development projects.
On August 28, 2026, soldiers from the 804th Maneuver Company found abandoned NPA war materials in a forested area of Barangay McKinley.
The items included a M203 grenade launcher, an M16 upper receiver, an M16 buffer assembly with spring, and two rounds of live ammunition. The discovery was made possible through information shared by a former rebel, showing how community cooperation is helping authorities secure the area.
Earlier, on August 25, 2026, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion uncovered buried food supplies in Barangay Imelda, Las Navas.
The cache contained 60 kilos of rice and 4 kilos of salt, believed to have been hidden for several months.
Authorities said cutting off these supplies weakens the logistical support of insurgents and prevents them from regrouping.
Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, assured residents that military operations will continue to locate hidden rebel materials and supplies. He emphasized that the cooperation of locals, including former rebels, is vital in sustaining peace and ensuring that insurgent remnants cannot rebuild their networks.
The rebuilding of villages like Barangay McKinley shows how communities are embracing peace and development. With residents working together and troops maintaining vigilance, Northern Samar is moving closer to lasting stability.
The balance of community resilience and military security is helping the province recover from years of conflict and look forward to a safer future.
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