Two abandoned rebel bases found in Samar

From the Sun Star (Nov 7): Two abandoned rebel bases found in Samar

"Bayanihan" peace and development teams from the 8th Infantry Division have located two abandoned New People's Army (NPA) bases in Samar early this week. Captain Gene R. Orense, the unit's spokesperson, said the first rebel camp was located at the hinterlands of Barangay Del Rosario, Matuguinao, Samar and the second one near a forested area in Lope De Vega town, also of the same province. He added that both bases were discovered last November 5 during patrol operations. Orense said the NPA base in Barangay Del Rosario, Matuguinao has a bunker system that can accommodate 45 rebel fighters while those in Lope De Vega can shelter 30 NPA members. “The abandoned NPA camps in Matuguianao and Lope De Vega symbolizes that the NPA is suffering a so-called social pressure not only by the pursuing military troops but primarily the lack of support from its former mass base in the area,” Major General Gerardo T. Layug, of 8th Infantry Division, said. He added that "Bayanihan" teams will continue its peace and development efforts in the these localities until the insurgency threat is over. "Bayanihan" is one the main thrust of the Philippine Army in assisting the local communities identify and address the local issues which hamper peace and development in the communities.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/07/two-abandoned-rebel-bases-found-samar-252057