By Sarwell Maniano | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine Army has recovered two firearms in its continuing military operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar province.
Troops from the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion seized the firearms on Monday after an encounter with six communist rebels from the sub-regional guerrilla unit, under the sub-regional committee of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), in the remote areas of Manering village in, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The 15-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of one Bushmaster M4 rifle, one M16 rifle, and various NPA war materiel and personal belongings. No one was hurt during the brief firefight.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, lauded villagers for providing information about armed rebels near their communities.
“Our troops showcased their commitment to peace and security in Catubig town acting on information from concerned citizens. This success underscores the dedication of our troops and the vital role of community cooperation in fighting insurgency. We thank the public for their trust and timely support in securing our barangays. Let us remain united and vigilant in achieving lasting peace and development in Northern Samar,” Villaflor said.
The recovery of firearms is part of the continuing intensified fight against insurgents in Northern Samar after a major clash early this month.
On Dec. 2, seven rebels died in a fierce gun battle with a group of 30 NPA combatants hiding in a lair fortified with anti-personnel mines in upland Paco village in Las Navas.
In a follow-up operation on Dec. 5, two NPA members died in a clash in Barangay Victory in Las Navas and nearby Brgy. Geparayan de Turag in Silvino Lobos.