Troops tasked to
secure barangay clash with NPAs in Eastern Samar
By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 25, 2013
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan,
Samar – Troops tasked to secure the conduct of upcoming barangay
election clash with NPA rebels at around 4:25 pm on October 18, 2013
at Brgy Balagon, Can-avid, Eastern Samar.
In his report, LtColonel
Manolito F Montiel, Commanding Officer of 14th Infantry (Avenger)
Battalion, said that his troops chanced upon a group of NPA insurgents
who were campaigning for a political candidate for the upcoming
Barangay election.
After a brief firefight, the
insurgents managed to escape. No casualty was reported on both sides.
Meanwhile, troops under 63rd
Infantry Battalion while conducting clearing operation to ensure
peaceful and orderly barangay election, discovered NPA camp at Brgy.
Hibunawan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar at around 4:40 pm the same
day.
The NPA camp is composed of
fifteen (15) makeshift huts, one (1) makeshift hall and two (2)
advanced guard posts which can accommodate 15 to 30 NPAs. Said camp is
believed to have been abandoned for five days.
BGen Jet B. Velarmino AFP,
Commander of 8th Infantry Division lauded his troops for their
untiring efforts to insulate the communities of peace loving people
from NPA threat and violence.
Addressing his troops, he
said: “Your commitment and dedication to service to ensure that the
people in Eastern Visayas are secured and protected from NPA threat
and violence is very commendable. Let us continue safeguarding the
people in this region, especially those living in countryside so that
they can freely vote for the candidates of their choice and not out of
fear, intimidation and pressure from the rebels.”
