Army encounters NPA terrorists in Eastern Samar, recovers 1 rifle

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 26, 2018

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A five minute firefight ensued between a squad from 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion and a group of about five members of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Sitio Parik, Barangay Cansangaya, Can-avid, Eastern Samar on March 24, 2018 at 11:05 o’ clock in the morning.

Said troops acted from information coming from concerned residents on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the said community. Troops immediately conducted a combat operation that resulted to the recovery of one M1A1 Garand rifle with serial number 2065519 and one bandolier with four clip of magazine with ammo. No reported casualty was reported on both sides.

The 49th Anniversary of the New People’s Army falls within the holy week period, it is presumed that there is a possibility that they will take violent actions and terroristic acts by launching atrocities against AFP/PNP personnel, camps and detachments in Eastern Visayas.

Maj. Gen. Raul M. Farnacio AFP, Commander, 8ID said, “The Army will remain steadfast in its campaign in protecting the populace from CNTs and other threat groups criminal activities, and secure churches/cathedrals, places of religious worship, resorts, economic centers, seat of government instrumentalities, and other vital installations to ensure the peaceful observance of the Lenten Season, in collaboration with the PNP through the Joint Peace Security and Coordinating Center (JPSCC).”