82nd IB troopers discover 2 abandoned rebel camps in southern Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): 82nd IB troopers discover 2 abandoned rebel camps in southern Iloilo

Troopers of the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion discovered two abandoned camps of the New People’s Army (NPA) in southern Iloilo while conducting security operations, the 3rd Infantry Division confirmed Monday.

The first, found in Sitio Tig-atay, Barangay Igpaho in Tubungan town on Friday, is believed to be enough for 70 personnel. It has 12 bunkers, 15 posts, two comfort rooms, a classroom and a kitchen.

The second one, discovered in Sitio Tigmarabas, Barangay Ongyod, Miag-ao on Sunday, can accommodate around 50 personnel. The camp has 20 bunkers, five observation posts, two comfort rooms, and an administrative building.

“We acknowledge the vigilance and efforts of the civilian populace of Tubungan and Miag-ao, Iloilo for giving us the information and for always coordinating with us in ensuring the peaceful environment in their community,” said Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez Jr., commanding officer of 82nd IB, in a press statement.

Col. Eric Uchida, commander of Army’s 301st Brigade, on the other hand, said “The discovery of these NPA camps is a clear manifestation of the NPA’s waning group. They continue to lose their ground and their mass base of support.”

In 2014, troopers under the 3rd ID discovered 42 camps under its jurisdiction, including 24 in Negros and 18 in Panay.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=733898