Army encounters NPA
rebels, seizes high-powered firearms
By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 27, 2014
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City, Samar – Troops under 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers)
Division, Philippine Army, encountered New People’s Army rebels
operating in Samar at around 5:30 p.m. on May 26, 2014 at Brgy.
Mahayag, Matuguinao, Samar.
Based on the report of Lt.
Col. Glen Jun C. Calambuhay, Commanding officer of 43IB, his troops
were conducting security operations at the vicinity of Bgy Mahayag,
Matuguinao, Samar when undetermined number of NPA rebels fired upon
them.
A firefight ensued
afterwhich the rebels withdrew. Two (2) NPA rebels died as a result of
the firefight. Likewise, the government troops were able to recover
one (1) 5.56 armalite rifle, one (1) 5.56 Baby armalite rifle and one
(1) 40mm M203 grenade launcher. The government troops suffered no
casualties in the said encounter. Pursuit operation is ongoing as of
press time.
Maj General Jet B Velarmino,
Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded his troops
accomplishment, “I take pride as your commander of your dedication to
service which resulted to the accomplishment of your given mission.”
However, he expressed his
sympathy to the families and relatives of the NPA rebels who were
killed. “It is very tragic that they have taken arms against the
Filipino nation when only through peace can development and social
justice be attained.”
Further, he stressed, "45
years of armed struggle have not solved any of our problems. Rather,
it has caused more problems to our society. I am therefore encouraging
NPA members to take advantage of the government's social integration
program and other local programs designed to bring back rebel
returnees to the mainstream of the society. It will provide you an
opportunity to be with your loved ones and community and together we
shall solve our problems in a peaceful way."