8ID overruns another NPA camp, recovers high powered firearms

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
November 9, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  A week after the successful encounter of the 8th Infantry Division’s 20th IB that resulted to the recovery of high powered firearms, another feat had marked the Division’s ISO campaign when 14IB successfully overran New People’s Army’s (NPA) camp in the hinterland of Sitio Sapia, Brgy. Magsaysay, Mac Arthur, Eastern Samar Sunday afternoon, November 7.

Report reaching this headquarters form Lieutenant Colonel Hermilo Demafiles, 14IB’s commanding officer disclosed that the troops under First Lieutenant Dagpin were conducting a security patrol when an undisclosed civilian approached and informed them on the presence of armed men allegedly seen in the aforesaid place.

Lieutenant Dagpin diverted their routes towards the mentioned area where they intercept around 30 armed terrorists under certain Gavino Guarino alias Mael that immediately resulted to a firefight.  Exchange of fires ensued for about 30 minutes before the rebels fled away towards Sitio Carbon, Brgy. Huknan, Hiporlos of same province after suffering heavy casualty leaving their camp in a disastrous situation.

Captured in the area of encounter are three (3) M16 rifles of the fallen terrorists, M14 rifle’s bolt assembly, pair of M16 rifles hand guard, 10 backpacks, assorted magazines of M16 and M14 rifles with live ammos, personal belongings and voluminous subversive document with significant value.  No one was reported hurt on the side of the government.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander commended collaborative effort of the civilians to the soldiers.

“The success of our campaign could not be possible without the support of our people whom we are serving.  While I am congratulating my troops with their sacrifices, I would also like to appreciate our people who exert more effort just to contribute with our aspirations.  Though we are gaining grounds against the terrorist, I am also saddened to note that somebody’s life has to be sacrificed,” says Major General Chan.

He further said that with the continuous conduct of the Division’s combat operations especially with the unwavering support of the people to thwart the enemy in the area, the terrorists today has no where to hide.

Moreover, General Chan reiterated his previous call to the members of the underground movement to lay down their arms and re-embrace the genuine spirit of freedom and democracy for the sake of the succeeding generations.

“I once again call upon our brothers and sisters, whom I considered victims of Communist’s deceptive ploy to embrace the governments means to re-integrate to our mainstream society to avoid the unnecessary lost of lives being brought by these armed confrontations.  Our government is very much willing to give them a second chance for the sake of peace and democracy,” concludes General Chan.