by Miriam G. Desacada
LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – A firearm and an anti-personnel mine (APM) or landmine, among other war items, were recovered by government troops after an armed encounter with communist terrorists at the outskirts of Barangay Roxas in Catubig, Northern Samar Wednesday (February 28) morning.
Following a brief gunbattle and the retreat of NPA terrorists from the clash site, the soldiers found and seized the abandoned war materials, such as one M16-A1 armalite rifle and one 5-kg APM. Other items seized were a 30-round magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62-mm ammunition, two rounds of cartridge, a 50-m wire, a blastic cap, three backpacks, and subversive documents.
Pursuit operations of the fleeing terrorists were immediately carried out by the troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion and the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion that encountered the terrorists, who were believed to be members of the sub-regional guerrilla unit of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee of the NPA.
The government troops initially got reports that these terrorists were intimidating and threatening residents while extorting them and some small businessmen in this area of Northern Samar. As they decided to enforce the focused military operations (FMO), the chanced upon this group of terrorists somewhere in the mountains of Catubig town, resulting in the seizure of the war materials.
20th IB acting commander, Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, said his unit is resolved to render the communist terrorists irrelevant in the 2nd district of Northern Samar as he also urged the support of the Nortehanons on this mission.
“We remain committed to eradicating this threat and ensuring the safety and prosperity of Northern Samar,”
Villaflor declared.
Catubig Mayor Solomon G. Vicencio, for his partm said the entire municipal community continue to support the Philippine Army in ending local communist armed conflict and insurgency problems in Northern Samar.
The mayor calls on the terrorists, who are still lost and deceived by erroneous ideology, to return to the fold of the law, reunite with the government and go home to your families. “It’s high time for you to stop this armed movement. The government is open to your return. Let’s unite in promoting lasting peace in our land for continued prosperity of our beloved Catubig,” said the mayor in his message to the terrorists.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, commended the successful security operations in the region. “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 terrorists,” he said.
Ligayo further urged the terrorists to reconsider their pointless ideology and instead follow the law while reuniting with their families and loved ones. —Miriam G. Desacada