Government troops seize NPA camp, firearms in Northern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 14): Government troops seize NPA camp, firearms in Northern Samar

BARANGAY, MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar -- An abandoned camp believed to be of the New People's Army was discovered by government security forces at Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar at around 10:30 a.m. April 13.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led by 1Lt. Florencio Tayo III.

The camp has 15 bunkers that can accommodate around 20 persons, one kitchen, one comfort room, three outposts and has just been abandoned by the the rebel group as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops, Lt. Col. Vestuir said.

After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.

The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays who reported the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from residents well as from the politicians.

The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA, Vestuir said.

The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area.

The fact that the discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace, is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities, Vestuir added.

Lt. Col. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the local residents for their continued support in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”.

Vestuir also called on the fleeing NPAs to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141365910620