87IB troopers encounter NPA bandits, seize firearms

By DPAO, 8ID PA
February 10, 2015

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops under the Calbiga, Samar based 87th Infantry Battalion encountered NPA members at Barangay Bunga, Motiong, Samar at around 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon of February 10, 2015.

According to the report reaching the 8th Infantry Division Headquarters from Lt. Col. Antonio B. Dulnuan, Commanding Officer of the 87IB, a nine-man squad of his unit was conducting combat patrol in a recently seized NPA camp at Barangay Bungawhen they observed eight suspicious individuals loitering around. When the troops asked the suspicious people to identify themselves, they were fired upon, prompting the troops to return fire. The encounter lasted for five minutes until the NPAs withdrew.

Dulnuan reported that there were no casualties on both sides, but his troops recovered two shotguns, one cell phone, one hammock, four pairs of boots, four pairs of slippers, and empty shells of shotgun, AK 47 and M16 rifles. Pursuit operation is ongoing as of press time.

Lt. Col. Antonio B. Dulnuan lauded the efforts of his troops and the support of communities to their peace initiatives. He vowed to continue to go after the NPAs who want to recover areas won by the local people and the Army from their influence.