|
Recovered
high-powered firearms, landmines, personal belongings, generator
set and subversive documents from the NPAs during the encounter
of 87th Infantry Battalion with NPA rebels at Brgy Antol,
Calbiga, Samar on December 11, 2015. |
8ID troops seize
firearms, overrun enemy camp in Samar
By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 14, 2015
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – Troops of 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion, 8th Infantry
(Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army seized high powered firearms
and several war materiel in an NPA encampment in the hinterlands of
Calbiga, Samar in the afternoon of December 11, 2015 after almost an
hour of firefight with 40 NPA rebels.
According to Lt. Colonel
George M. Domingo, Commanding Officer of 87th Infantry Battalion, his
troops were able to overrun the NPA encampment, thanks to the
information given by concerned civilians in the said barangay who are
tired of the extortion and intimidation of the NPAs.
The said NPA encampment has
30 makeshift huts, two kitchens, three "bulwagan" (halls) that can
accommodate 50 persons. Recovered from the scene of encounter are the
following: one (1) M60 General Purpose Machine Gun with 90 rounds
ammunition; one (1) M653 rifle (Baby Armalite); two (2) pieces
Claymore-type landmines; one (1) Flat screen TV (32”); one (1) set
Cignal cable transceiver; one (1) generator set; one (1) chainsaw;
several medical equipment and medicines, assorted foodstuffs and
subversive documents.
The rebels suffered
undetermined number of casualties as evidenced by the bloodstains in
their route of withdrawal while two soldiers were wounded during the
encounter. Troops are still in the area tracking down the withdrawing
rebels as of press time.
Lt. Col Domingo said, “The
successful operation was the fruit of the ongoing partnership between
the 87IB and the Local Government Units of Pinabacdao and Calbiga,
Samar headed by their respective Local Chief Executives and the local
populace in safeguarding their communities.”
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Jet B.
Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division extended his
gratitude to the civilians who provided the information that led to
the successful seizure of the said NPA encampment and recovery of war
materiel. This encounter gave a big blow to the NPA rebels who will be
celebrating the CPP anniversary this coming December 26, 2015.
He further added that the
landmines recovered from the NPA encampment is in violation of the
provisions under the Geneva Convention on the use of landmines in
armed conflict. Velarmino also said that the 8ID, under his
leadership, will stop at nothing to attain the illusive peace and
development in this part of the region. Velarmino made an appeal again
to our rebel brothers, who are being victimized by their leaders, that
now is the time to return to the folds of the law and help put a stop
to these senseless killings among fellow Filipinos.
