Army says abandoned NPA lair in Aurora yields landmines

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2020): Army says abandoned NPA lair in Aurora yields landmines (By Jason De Asis)

WAR MATERIEL. The war materiel recovered by government troops in an abandoned lair of the New People's Army in Barangay Umiray, Dingalan, Aurora Tuesday (Oct. 6, 2020). A concerned citizen provided the information to the military that led to the recovery. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Government troops recovered some war materiel reportedly belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in an abandoned lair believed being used for safekeeping and future purposes of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Barangay Umiray, Dingalan, this province on Tuesday afternoon.

The Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) seized two anti-personnel landmines, two anti-tank landmines, a detonating cord, and three pieces of triple A battery following a report from an informant in the area.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of 91IB, said the discovery of landmines is clear evidence that the CTGs are still using this kind of war materiel to further inflict harm against government security forces and innocent civilians.

“It is also a clear violation of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law as embodied in the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Rubio said.

He said the civilians do not like the presence of NPA terrorists in their area and are doing their part in making their community peaceful and insurgency-free.

Rubio asked the people of Dingalan not to hesitate to report the presence of NPAs in their communities to prevent extortion and other terroristic activities in the area.

The war materiel were brought to the headquarters of Alpha Company of the 91IB based in Barangay Tanawan, Dingalan for proper disposition.

Brig. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of 703rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of the 91IB and the full cooperation of the concerned citizen, who reported the location of the recovered war materiel.

“We expect more recovery of NPA firearms, war materiel items and the surrender of CPP- NPA members and their supporters in the province of Aurora. We will continue to track them and stop them from creating havoc in the communities,” Costelo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117735