Troops encounter CPP NPA terrorists in Samar

By 803rd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
January 13, 2019

CAMP SUMOROY, Catarman, Northern Samar – Army troops operating in Samar Province encountered CPP NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in a remote area in Barangay Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar on January 12, 2019 at around 6:50 in the morning.

In a report from Lt. Col. Rizaldo N. Laurena, Commanding Officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion based in Barangay Erenas, San Jorge, Samar, his troops were on their way to Barangay Bay-ang when they chanced upon a group of fully armed CNTs operating in the area that triggered a brief firefight and an explosion.

After the encounter, nine soldiers were slightly wounded due to shrapnels from the blast while there are undetermined casualties on the side of the enemy. The wounded troops were evacuated to the nearest hospital for their immediate treatment.

In his statement, Brig. Gen. Ramil M. Bitong said that “the encounter in San Jorge is a significant accomplishment against the CNTs. As of this report, our troops are pursuing the main body of the fleeing CNTs, comprised of the EVRPC leadership. Our sources disclosed that the CNTs were planning to launch tactical offensives throughout Region 8. Another desperate attempt of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee to stay relevant by sowing fear and discontent among the residents of Region 8. This prompted the brigade to launch an offensive against them. The reliable reports of the residents of Barangays Bay-ang and Mobo-ob both of San Jorge and Brgy Beri of Motiong, who were complaining of the CNT abuses against them helped the government troops to close in on them.