CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar- 42nd Infantry (Tagapagtanggol) Battalion continues to recover firearms belonging to Communist NPA Terrorist (CNTs) through the strong collaboration of the unit with Friend Rescued (FR).
On Friday, July 15, five M14 Rifles, four M16 Rifles, a shot gun, a M79 Grenade Launcher, a radio, assorted ammunitions and explosives,and subversive materials were recovered by the 42nd Infantry Battalion during a strike operation at the hinterlands of Brgy. Buco, Can-avid, Eastern Samar.
The operation was conducted following the information given by an FR that led them to the location of the firearms. It will be recalled that two weeks now, June 28, the same FR had already led a recovery of HPA firearms belongings to CNTs.
Lt. Col Rodito A Gotladera INF (GSC) PA, the Army’s 42IB commander, gave the assurance that the unit will remain committed and will intensify its efforts to locate more firearms stashed by CNTs and defuse the remnants of confronted group to prevent the communist rebels from recovering their lost ground in Eastern Samar.
“We will be stepping up our military and non-military operations to track down the location of CNTs loose firearms and prevent their recovery efforts here in Eastern Samar. Today’s recovery significantly blows the capacity of communist rebels on their nefarious acts”. Gotladera said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Lenart R Lelina, 801st Brigade Commander, congratulates the operating troops for their efforts in contributing to the accomplishment of the unit’s mission. An awarding ceremony was arranged immediately in Can-avid Central Elementary School after the Tagapagtanggol troops were picked-up personally by their own Battalion Commander in the battlefield.
The activity was graced by Hon. Vilma A Germino, the Municipal Mayor of Can-avid, Eastern Samar, Hon. Norberto Hobayan Jr, Municipal Councilor, PMAJ Gleen Aculana, PIU Chief and PCPT Allan J Calceta, Acting Chief of Police, MPS, Can-avid. In which Germino lauded the 42IB for its accomplishment and gave support to the FRs that had help during the operation and assures that the Local Government Unit of Can-avid will remain committed in supporting the peace campaign of whole AFP.
The unit continue to encourage the CNTs to return to the folds of law and avail the various programs under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to reform the surrenderees lives and start anew. The ECLIP is a package of cash incentives, livelihood programs and other assistance given to help the surrenderees.