Troops tasked to secure barangay clash with NPAs in Eastern Samar

From the Samar News (Oct 25): Troops tasked to secure barangay clash with NPAs in Eastern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 25, 2013

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar – Troops tasked to secure the conduct of upcoming barangay election clash with NPA rebels at around 4:25 pm on October 18, 2013 at Brgy Balagon, Can-avid, Eastern Samar.

In his report, LtColonel Manolito F Montiel, Commanding Officer of 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, said that his troops chanced upon a group of NPA insurgents who were campaigning for a political candidate for the upcoming Barangay election.

After a brief firefight, the insurgents managed to escape. No casualty was reported on both sides.

Meanwhile, troops under 63rd Infantry Battalion while conducting clearing operation to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay election, discovered NPA camp at Brgy. Hibunawan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar at around 4:40 pm the same day.

The NPA camp is composed of fifteen (15) makeshift huts, one (1) makeshift hall and two (2) advanced guard posts which can accommodate 15 to 30 NPAs. Said camp is believed to have been abandoned for five days.

BGen Jet B. Velarmino AFP, Commander of 8th Infantry Division lauded his troops for their untiring efforts to insulate the communities of peace loving people from NPA threat and violence.

Addressing his troops, he said: “Your commitment and dedication to service to ensure that the people in Eastern Visayas are secured and protected from NPA threat and violence is very commendable. Let us continue safeguarding the people in this region, especially those living in countryside so that they can freely vote for the candidates of their choice and not out of fear, intimidation and pressure from the rebels.”

http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/oct/c866.htm