Tacloban City – A firearm and a 5-kg international humanitarian law banned (IHL) anti-personnel mine (APM) were recovered as a result of armed encounter at the remote outskirts of Brgy. Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar yesterday morning, February 28.
In response to reports from local residents of extortion activities of Communist Terrorist Groups in the said area. The 20th Infantry “We Lead” Battalion and the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion promptly initiated Focused Military Operations.
The security forces encountered a number of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), identified as part of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) of the Front Committee-15, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) ARCTIC, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). According to reports, these CTG members have been intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities.
Following a series of firefights, the NPA rebels were forced to retreat while the government troops seized several war materiel, including one M16A1 rifle, one 5-kg anti-personnel mine, one 30-round magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two rounds of cartridge (5.57mm ball ammunition), one 50-meter wire, three (3) backpacks, one blasting cap, and subversive documents. Pursuit operations are ongoing as of the publication of this report.
Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor, Acting Commanding Officer of 20IB, reaffirms the battalion’s unwavering resolve to render these Communist Terrorist Groups irrelevant in the 2nd District of Northern Samar, calling upon the support of the Nortehanons to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.
“The continuous violations of the Ottawa Convention, International Humanitarian Law, and RA9851 by these CTG members are unacceptable, particularly their production and use of anti-personnel mines endangering civilian lives,” Lt. Col. Villaflor stated.
“We remain committed to eradicating this threat and ensuring the safety and prosperity of Northern Samar,” Lt. Col. Villaflor added.
Meanwhile, Catubig Municipal Mayor, Hon. Solomon G. Vicencio expressed that the whole Catubig will continue supporting the Philippine Army in ending local communist armed conflict and insurgency problems in Northern Samar.
“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng mga kapatid nating naliligaw pa rin ng landas at patuloy na nabibiktima ng maling ideolohiya, panahon na para magbalik-loob kayo sa gobyereno at umuwi kayo sa inyong mga tahanan. Panahon na para itigil ang armadong pakikibaka. Mananatiling bukas ang aming himpilan sa inyong pagbabalik. Sabay-sabay tayo sa pagsusulong nang tunay na kapayapaan at tuluy-tuloy na kaunlaran sa minamahal nating Catubig.”
Major General Camilo Z Ligayo the Commander of 8ID commended the successful internal security operations in the region that has been pivotal for several years, “Our campaign in ending the local armed conflict has become a formidable force through cooperation with various local government units in addressing the issues being exploited by the CTGs.”
Maj. Gen. Ligayo further urged those CTGs to reconsider their pointless ideology and instead follow the law while reuniting with their families and loved ones. DPAO