78th IB encounters remnants of Communist NPA
Terrorist (CNT) in Sogod, Southern Leyte
By
78th Infantry
Battalion, 8ID PA
March 8, 2020
BURAUEN, Leyte –
78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion had a series of encounters with
the Communist NPA Terrorist believed to be remnants of Front 42,
Sub-Regional Committee, LEVOX, Eastern Visayas Party Committee under
Communist NPA Terrorist Leader Roberto Opo @Resty/Migo/Lowie in Brgy.
Pancho Villa, Sogod, Southern Leyte on March 5, 2020 and March 7,
2020, respectively.
Said series of encounters
resulted to the capture of one (1) M1 Garand Rifle with six (6) live
ammunition, one (1) ammunition clip and two (2) fired cartridges.
The troops also discovered the enemy harboring site in vicinity of
Brgy. Pancho Villa, Sogod, Southern Leyte along with the following
items: six (6) kilos of rice; one (1) plastic bottle of cooking oil;
four (4) pieces 3n1 coffee; one forth (1/4) pack of brown sugar; and
eight (8) pieces coffee stick.
The security operations
are in response to the civilian populace reported presence of
terrorist groups who were conducting illegal activities, such as,
extortion and recruitment. Said presence and illegal activities of
Communist NPA Terrorist in the area affects the peaceful living
conditions of the populace and their livelihood and expose their
children to recruitment.
These actions of the
Communist NPA Terrorist shows their clear defiance to the
government’s initiative on peaceful resolution of conflict intended
to advance development, boast economy, and sustain peace and order
through the effective implementation of the Executive Order Number
70 or the Institutionalization or the whole of nation approach in
order to uplift the social status and living conditions of the
populace.
This successful engagement
with the Communist NPA Terrorist is attributed to the timely
information provided by the people in the area who refused to
believe the futile struggle and propaganda of the terrorists. They
are already tired of the extortion and propaganda activities
conducted by the said terrorist group.
According to Lieutenant
Colonel Roberto B Obaob, Commanding Officer of 78th Infantry
Battalion, “the said military security operations against the enemy
of the state will be relentless in order to finish the remnants of
Communist NPA Terrorist. However, our door is open for the peaceful
return to the folds of the law of those Communist NPA Terrorist who
will opt to lay down their arms and join the mainstream law abiding
society. They can avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our priority remains to be the overall
safety of the people of Leyte and Southern Leyte. Thus, whoever will
attempt to endanger the people must be ready to face our full
force”.
