Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Army troopers in Leyte feted for seizure of NPA arms cache

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): Army troopers in Leyte feted for seizure of NPA arms cache



AWARDED. Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy, commander of the 802nd IBde, leads the pinning of Military Merit Medal on the 14 soldiers who bravely fought the New People's Army in Caghalo village in Carigara, Leyte on Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2019). The ceremony was held at the camp of 93rd Infantry Battalion in Kananga, Leyte. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

The leadership of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade (802nd IBde) commended its men for the military operation in Caghalo village in Carigara, Leyte resulting in the recovery of high-powered firearms from the New People’s Army (NPA).

Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy led the pinning of merit medals on the 14-member operating team during a ceremony held Wednesday at the camp of 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB) in Kananga, Leyte. He was assisted by Lt. Col. Roberto Beatisula, commander of the 93IB.


“Your distinctive accomplishment reflects your commitment to sustaining a decisive result drive military operation and enforcing peace and security to preserve the lives of Filipino in the countryside,” Dagoy told soldiers.

On Monday, soldiers of 93IB, acting on reports of villagers on NPA sightings, went to Caghalo village and clashed with the rebels.

The troops seized an M16 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, two M1 carbine rifles, an improvised shotgun, a hand grenade, an improvised explosive device, bandolier with magazines for M16 rifles and carbine rifle, and some personal belongings of rebels.


There was no casualty on the government side while an undetermined number of rebels are believed to have been wounded. Operating troops are still pursuing the NPA members who fled from the site with their wounded comrades, the Army said.

Based in Kananga, Leyte, the military activated the 93IB last year to reinforce military units in the more aggressive fight against communist rebels in the region. The battalion, considered as one of the Army’s elite forces, is composed of well-trained army officers and enlisted military personnel.

The military unit is working hard to clear Carigara’s upland villages of NPA threat. The area is considered by the military as the bastion of the communist terrorist group in Leyte.

“I want you to sustain that level of expertise you acquire. The more of improving your capacities the better for you to catch your objective,” Dagoy said.

Based on the latest information by the military, there are only 15 remaining members of NPA in Leyte Island with dwindling ground support from the people.

“The people wanted to end their influence and have peace in their community that is the reason why they are cooperating now with our soldiers,” Dagoy added.

Instead of fighting against the government, the official urged members of the NPA to surrender and avail of the government programs and live peacefully with their families.

“The government is extending its hand for you to return to the fold of the law, it is not too late for you to go back and be with your family,” he said, adding that there will be no mercy for those who will not surrender.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082064

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