Civilian’s support leads 8ID’s successes; camp and war material seized and repel enemy’s attack

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
March 21, 2011

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  With the continuous support of the civilian populace to the government’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” particularly in “winning peace”, two successful feat had once again marked the Army’s 8th Infantry Division’s security operations in Northern Samar this past few days.

In Silvino Lobos, members of the 803rd Infantry Brigade’s Task Group Panther successfully overran the New People’s Army’s (NPA) camp in the hinterlands of Brgy. Senonogan de Tubang around 5:45 yesterday afternoon following a tip from a civilian.

Reports from Colonel Oscar Lopez, Commander of 803rd Bde disclosed that the troops under First Lieutenant Nieves were conducting a routine security patrol when an undisclosed civilian approached and informed them on the presence of armed men allegedly seen in the aforesaid place.

Lieutenant Nieves then followed the routes directed by the said informant until they encountered some undetermined number of armed terrorists which immediately resulted to a firefight.  Exchange of fires ensued for two (2) minutes before the rebels fled away bringing along their wounded comrades while leaving their camp behind. No one was reported hurt on the side of the government.

Recovered in the area are three (3) improvised explosive devices (IEDs), tents, personal belongings and voluminous subversive document with significant intelligence value.

In the municipality of Catarman, an undetermined number of NPAs harassed the Cag-abaca Detachment of the 52nd Cadre Battalion at around 1:05 this morning. Accordingly, the NPA’s attack failed due to the timely information provided by the residents in the area allowing the troops to prepare. The NPAs were armed with assorted high powered firearms when they attempted to take over the camp. Firefight lasted for more than two (2) hours before the enemy hopelessly abandoned their positions.

No troops were hurt during the scuffle while it is still being determined whether there were wounded on the enemy side as of press time.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, 8ID’s commander highly commended the collaborative efforts of the civilians.

“We cannot successfully carry out our mandated task without the support of our people.  While I am congratulating my troops with their sacrifices and determination to overpower the evil desires of these terrorists, I would also like to appreciate our people who exert more effort just to contribute with our aspirations,” says Major General Chan.

He further said that with the unwavering support of the people to thwart the enemy in the area, peace will soon be won in the province.

He also said that another NPA plan was thwarted due to the unwavering support of our people.  It only proves that insurgency could not be totally solved by a mere military solution.  It needs intervention of our people and the civil society.

“As I was saying, this feat can be attributed to our people. Our services can be fully carried out if our people also show concern, not just for our soldiers, but for themselves too,” he says.