Troops encounter
NPA in Lapinig, Northern Samar; recover one firearm
By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 20, 2013
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City
– A certain Salvador Capoquian, alias Jomong, a New People’s Army (NPA)
member operating in Northern Samar was killed in an encounter with the
Scout Platoon of 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB) at Barangay Pio Del
Pilar, Lapinig, Northern Samar on September 19, 2013.
Prior to the incident, 34IB
received information from civilians about the NPA presence in their
barangay extorting from the populace.
The Scout Platoon of 34IB
was immediately dispatched to verify the report and as they were
patrolling near Barangay Lapinig, they were fired upon by about five
(5) NPAs which triggered a five (5) minute firefight. Government
troops recovered one Caliber .45 Pistol with one empty magazine, one
(1) mobile phone and pouch containing money amounting to P500.00.
Per police record in Lapinig,
Northern Samar, the slain NPA member had a standing warrant of arrest
issued on August 29, 2013 by Hon Mory A. Nueva, Presiding Judge of RTC
Branch 28, Gamay, Northern Samar for the crime of illegal possession
of firearms and for violation of RA 7166 or COMELEC Gun Ban.
Brigadier General Jet B.
Velarmino AFP, Commander of 8th Infantry Division, in his message
said, “I commend 34IB for their timely response on the information
regarding the presence of NPAs in Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Lapinig,
Northern Samar. I assure the people of Samar that the 8th Infantry
Division will continue to do its mandate of securing the people of
Eastern Visayas from any form of threat and terrorism by the NPA
insurgents so that the people in this region can live peacefully and
free from fear and intimidation.”
