Army thwarts NPA bomb plot in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27, 2021): Army thwarts NPA bomb plot in Leyte (By Sarwell Meniano)

BOMB-MAKING FACTORY. A surrenderer shows to a soldier the tunnel used for making bombs by the New People's Army on the outskirts of Ormoc City on Monday (April 26). The military also recovered bomb-making materials and improvised explosive devices (IED). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has discovered a tunnel used by the New People’s Army (NPA) to make explosives and recovered bomb-making materials and improvised explosive devices (IED) on the outskirts of Ormoc City on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said on Tuesday the discovery of the tunnel and seizure of bombs in upland Patag village was made possible through the disclosure of alias "Saag", a member of the terrorist NPA operating in Leyte province under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

He surrendered to the Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion in McArthur, Leyte on Monday, yielding an M14 rifle and bullets.

“This is a good indication that many of the communist terrorist group members have come to their senses and are now helping the government to end this communist armed conflict. Although we can consider alias Saag's return to the government a success, we should just continue to be vigilant and alert, especially the construction of such an explosive bomb is just close to the community that can cause danger to us,” Oliveros said in a statement.

The rebel fighter abandoned the NPA after he realized that joining the communist terrorist group was a big mistake and did nothing to benefit the people.

Making bombs is proof of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA's outright violation of International Humanitarian Law and the terrorist group's violent approach to advance their evil intentions, according to Oliveros.

The military official said they are stepping up their drive to stop the NPA from rebuilding their base masses in Leyte province.

He urged rebels to surrender since the government is willing to help them start a new, free, and peaceful life with their families.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138169