8ID troops seize firearms, overrun enemy camp in Samar

Posted to the Samar News (Dec 14): 8ID troops seize firearms, overrun enemy camp in Samar



Recovered high-powered firearms, landmines, personal belongings, generator set and subversive documents from the NPAs during the encounter of 87th Infantry Battalion with NPA rebels at Brgy Antol, Calbiga, Samar on December 11, 2015.

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 14, 2015

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army seized high powered firearms and several war materiel in an NPA encampment in the hinterlands of Calbiga, Samar in the afternoon of December 11, 2015 after almost an hour of firefight with 40 NPA rebels.

According to Lt. Colonel George M. Domingo, Commanding Officer of 87th Infantry Battalion, his troops were able to overrun the NPA encampment, thanks to the information given by concerned civilians in the said barangay who are tired of the extortion and intimidation of the NPAs.

The said NPA encampment has 30 makeshift huts, two kitchens, three "bulwagan" (halls) that can accommodate 50 persons. Recovered from the scene of encounter are the following: one (1) M60 General Purpose Machine Gun with 90 rounds ammunition; one (1) M653 rifle (Baby Armalite); two (2) pieces Claymore-type landmines; one (1) Flat screen TV (32”); one (1) set Cignal cable transceiver; one (1) generator set; one (1) chainsaw; several medical equipment and medicines, assorted foodstuffs and subversive documents.

The rebels suffered undetermined number of casualties as evidenced by the bloodstains in their route of withdrawal while two soldiers were wounded during the encounter. Troops are still in the area tracking down the withdrawing rebels as of press time.

Lt. Col Domingo said, “The successful operation was the fruit of the ongoing partnership between the 87IB and the Local Government Units of Pinabacdao and Calbiga, Samar headed by their respective Local Chief Executives and the local populace in safeguarding their communities.”

Meanwhile, Maj Gen Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division extended his gratitude to the civilians who provided the information that led to the successful seizure of the said NPA encampment and recovery of war materiel. This encounter gave a big blow to the NPA rebels who will be celebrating the CPP anniversary this coming December 26, 2015.

He further added that the landmines recovered from the NPA encampment is in violation of the provisions under the Geneva Convention on the use of landmines in armed conflict. Velarmino also said that the 8ID, under his leadership, will stop at nothing to attain the illusive peace and development in this part of the region. Velarmino made an appeal again to our rebel brothers, who are being victimized by their leaders, that now is the time to return to the folds of the law and help put a stop to these senseless killings among fellow Filipinos.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/dec/d511.htm