Citizen’s involvement against CNT’s planned ambush saved lives

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 2, 2020

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Combined troops of 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army and Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) of PNP Pinabacdao, aided by the vigilant populace of Pinabacdao, Samar, outrightly responded on the attempt of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The plan was reported by a concerned citizen to the authorities that led to the retrieval of four IEDs on April 30, 2020 at about 1:00 a.m.

According to the informant, the IEDs (PVC-type and sealed with electrical tape) were placed along Maharlika National Highway at the boundary of barangays Pahug and Madalunot, all in Pinabacdao, Samar.

The said IEDs were brought to 46IB Headquarters for proper documentation and disposition.

It can be recalled that the same army unit retrieved four IEDs in the neighboring barangay of Hubasan, Municipality of Calbiga, Samar last April 6, 2020.

In October 29 last year, at around 12:30 a.m., two civilian representatives of Toyota company survived in a CTG’s IED ambush when their driven white Toyota Hi-Lux was mistaken by the CTG as police patrol car as they were passing along Maharlika Highway at the boundary of barangays Lale and Pahug of Pinabacdao Samar.

Moreover, it can be recalled that on December 19, 2015, government troops and two DSWD female staff onboard two trucks coming from humanitarian assistance in Northern Samar during the onslaught of typhoon “Nona” (Melor) were ambushed by the CPP-NPA in the same boundary of barangays Pahug and Madalunot, Pinabacdao, Samar.

The 801st Brigade Commander, Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo commended the feat of the security forces and the help provided by the informant. He also underscored, “Our security forces are always ready to run after the rebels who take advantage of the vulnerability of the community in this challenging time brought by COVID-19 pandemic in the region.”