NPA leader linked to Leyte atrocities killed as troops thwart CTG attempt to re-enter stable community

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 9, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) attempt to regain a foothold in communities that have achieved stable peace and security conditions suffered another setback after a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed in an armed encounter with troops of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division on Tuesday afternoon, September 8, 2026, in the hinterlands of Barangay Caridad, Baybay City, Leyte.

The encounter developed after government troops responded to information from a concerned citizen regarding the presence of armed individuals allegedly collecting money and food from residents in the area. Acting on the report, troops proceeded to verify the information and protect the community from possible coercion and disruption.

The brief firefight, which lasted approximately five minutes, resulted in the death of Erwin Murillo Maceda, alias “Romnick,” identified as the Vice Team Leader 1 of the Island Committee (IC) Levox under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Soldiers also recovered one M16 rifle from the encounter site.

The incident highlights the continuing difficulty of the CTG in attempting to regain influence in communities that have increasingly rejected armed conflict and embraced peace, development, and normal civilian life.

Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, said Maceda and his group had allegedly been linked to various acts against civilians and local officials in Leyte, including extortion, threats against residents and business owners, and attacks on government security installations.

“The people of Leyte have endured years of fear, intimidation, and disruption caused by armed groups. We will not allow these conditions to return to communities that have worked hard to achieve peace. The government remains committed to protecting our people and preserving the gains of peace and development,” Almagro said.

The 8th Infantry Division stressed that the incident sends a clear message to remaining CTG members who may be attempting to return to communities where peace and security have already been established: the space for armed violence is shrinking, while the opportunity to return peacefully to civilian life remains open.

Rather than allowing armed groups to disrupt communities once again, residents are increasingly empowered to report suspicious activities and seek assistance from government authorities. Such cooperation remains vital in preventing armed groups from rebuilding their networks, obtaining logistical support, or imposing fear and coercion on local communities.

“The cooperation of our communities is critical. Their timely reporting allows government forces to respond before threats can escalate. We encourage our people to continue protecting the peace they have helped build,” Almagro added.

The 8ID also reiterates its call to the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle, and choose the path of peace while opportunities for surrender and reintegration remain available. Those who choose to return to their families and communities can avail themselves of existing government programs intended to help former members rebuild their lives through lawful and peaceful means.