Army discovers large rebel camp in southern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): Army discovers large rebel camp in southern Negros

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered Sunday a large camp of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) at Sitio Naputi-an, Barangay Tanawan, Kabankalan City.

The 3rd Infantry Division reported that the camp, which covers an estimated area of 2,185 square meters, is believed to have been abandoned for about four days before the soldiers discovered the area.

The camp, which can accommodate about 100 persons, has two makeshift houses and comfort rooms.

The 11th IB troopers recovered subversive documents, an NPA flag, a handbook for Batakang Kursong Pampartido and personal items during their operation.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army’s 3rd ID, said the Army in Western Visayas is intensifying their efforts in finding rebel camps.

“The vigilance of the citizens in reporting the presence of lawless armed elements and the intensified peace and development efforts aided the discovery of abandoned camp,” he added.

Last January 14, soldiers in northern Negros recovered six improvised anti-personnel Claymore mines with blasting caps of the NPA at Barangay Purisima, Manapla town.

The Army received reports that NPA rebels are being trained in assembling the improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The peace-loving people of Negros wanted to have lasting peace,” Baladad said.

He added that the Philippine Army and the local governments in Negros are continuously calling and encouraging the rebels to abandon the armed struggle.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607352